Timothy was a young preacher living in a wicked city, doing his best to teach those around him about Jesus and what it means to live for Him. As a young man, some didn’t necessarily appreciate that he was in the position he was, but the apostle Paul urged him to continue to be an example of Christ through his life. Many youth ministers and young people quote 1 Timothy 4:12 often. I think it’s actually the quote that was below my senior picture in my high school yearbook. The text says,
“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.”
How many times we’ve studied that text! And it’s a good one, so I’m glad we take the time to reflect on its timeless message. However, we aren’t doing ourselves any favors if that’s where we stop. Verses 13 and 15 say,
“Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”
Yes, it is crucial that a Christian of any age be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity. It is critical that we be a light to the world, shining forth the light of God for all to see and follow. But it isn’t enough to just be a good example. Instead, we are to be given entirely to these things. Not putting on a good front in public. Not making sure others see us at our best. But being our best, all the time, because we are given entirely to God and His word.
Timothy had a special role in the 1st century church. He was to be sure that what was being taught and read was truth. In a time when written scripture was uncommon (or still being written!), people like Timothy were crucial to keeping God’s word pure and undefiled. Even though Timothy’s exact position isn’t one we necessarily still need today (we aren’t in the midst of receiving anymore revelations or commands from God), the spirit of his role is definitely still needed, and should be implemented by every Christian.
We have an obligation to our Master to be sure that we are doing everything exactly as He wants it done. Those we come in contact with on a regular basis will see our lives and either respect God and seek to follow our example, or they will be turned off by our hypocritical actions. If they are inclined to follow our example, where would that example lead them? If we are people who are giving attention to what Scripture actually says, and implementing only the truths of God (and not traditions/doctrines of men), then we will be leading others toward heaven. If we are instead caught up in our own feelings or what’s always been done (but doesn’t have a foundation in Scripture) we’re not doing anyone any favors, because we’re not leading them closer to God. We’re only leading them closer to us and our opinions.
Today, think about your example. Now go further than that. Think about who you really are. What is your entire life about? What consumes every part of your life? It is only when Jesus is your entire life that you will be the example you ought to be to others.
