BE AN EXAMPLE

“Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 AMPC

Timothy is called to be an example of the believers; to be an example means "to be a pattern, a model, something to be copied or followed". Everyone is living an example one way or the other, it’s either good or it’s bad. To be an example is not allowing others to diminish the importance of what you are doing maybe as a parent or as a youth leader. Timothy had to refuse to be discouraged from those who might have thought he was too young. 

In Titus 2:7-8, Paul admonished Titus "In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works....To be an example is to pattern yourself in your passion, zeal, zest, readiness, character, attitude, dedication, excitement etc. It is not being negligent of your main responsibilities.

Are you an example to your world (Home, job, friends, family, colleagues, attitude, character)? God has called us to pattern ourselves in the same way He patterned Himself when He walked the roads of Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem. Don't fake yourself thinking you're leading by example when deep in your heart you know its all fake. Be genuine and true firstly to yourself before you can be an example to others. 

Further Scripture Study: 1 Timothy 1:16; Philippians 3:17 

Declare This: Dear Lord, I follow the example You already laid out for me. I pattern myself and live according to the ways You've showed in Jesus name Amen.