My awesome, Grandchildren, and Annika, Kaleigh, Kate, Gavin; whom I love and pray for every day: “Let no one despise your youth, but BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS in WORD, in CONDUCT, in LOVE, in SPIRIT, in FAITH, in PURITY.” (1 Tim. 4:12) This important verse has often been quoted to youth ministries and young leaders. Though Timothy was likely in his early 30s when this letter was written, the words apply to any church leader, REGARDLESS OF AGE. Timothy was not to let anyone look down on him because of his age. For all of human history, there has been a tendency for older generations to DISMISS younger teachers, simply because they are young. In order to counter this, the influence of a young leader should come through THEIR EXAMPLE. In this particular context, the “EXAMPLE” is that given to other Christians.
Paul said be an example in:
- WORD: “PREACH THE WORD! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2)
- CONDUCT: “…let your conduct be WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL of Christ, so that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you…so that you will be saved—and that by God.” (Phil. 1:28)
- LOVE: “…let us LOVE ONE ANOTHER, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because GOD IS LOVE.” (1 John 4:7-8)
- SPIRIT: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLS IN YOU?” (1 Corin. 3:16)
- FAITH: “…faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God MUST BELIEVE THAT HE IS, and that He is a REWARDER OF THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM.” (Heb. 11:1, 6)
- PURITY: “Blessed are the PURE IN HEART, For they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8)
Notice: […We must understand that the bible says:] “…BE AN EXAMPLE TO THE BELIEVERS.” !!!] That’s for you: Stephanie, Ethan, Camden, Olivia, Aidan, Landon, Kinsley, Annika, Kaleigh, Kate, Gavin…