Be an Example
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
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The early church was suffering persecution and desperately needed strong spiritual leaders. Evidently some thought Timothy was too young to be a serious candidate for ministry. But Paul encouraged Timothy to keep focused on the spiritual gift he had received when the elders laid hands on him (4:14). He knew that if Timothy lived what he taught and modeled a life of love, faith, and purity, he would demonstrate to the critics that he was indeed following God’s call. When we do what God is leading us to do, we may face criticism, or others may question our qualifications for ministry. We may become discouraged by careless comments about our weaknesses and begin to doubt God’s ability to work through us.
By humbly acknowledging our weaknesses and at the same time recognizing that God has equipped us to serve him effectively, we can continue in faith to minister. As our lives increase in godliness, demonstrated through love, faith, and purity, it will become evident to others that we are following God’s will.
Prayers:
LORD, I am thankful that your opinion of me is more important than anyone else’s opinion. The work you accomplish through me is equally effective whether in my gifts or in my weaknesses since my weaknesses cause greater dependence on you. Help me not to shy away from using the gifts you have given me, and make me an example of your love, faith, and purity.
Quotes:
A life lived listening to the decisive call of God is a life lived before one audience that trumps all others—the Audience of One.
Os Guinness
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Jeremiah 33:1–34:22; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Psalm 89:1-13 and Proverbs 25:23-24.
