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

This is Paul's exhortation to Timothy, he calls him to be an example of the believers. He said “Let no one despise or think less of your youth.” God has called you and I to model Christianity and be an example to our world.

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 leader. Timothy had to refuse to be discouraged from those who might have thought he was too young or inexperienced to Pastor. 

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; Titus 2:7-8 

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.