An example of the believers

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”1 Timothy 4:12

Reflection

Paul writes to Timothy, a young leader placed at the head of a church where there were older, more experienced people who were possibly inclined to doubt him. And he gives advice that holds for any age: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Notice that Paul does not say "demand respect", nor "prove you are capable with arguments". He says "be thou an example". Timothy's authority would not come from age, title or imposition, but from a life that speaks for itself.

It is worth looking at the six areas. "In word": the way of speaking, with truth, with grace, without vulgarity. "In conversation": the manner of acting day to day, consistent with what is preached. "In charity": the way of treating people, with care and generosity. "In spirit": enthusiasm and inner life, passion for God. "In faith": trust in God, even under pressure. "In purity": moral integrity, in thoughts and attitudes. It is a portrait of complete character. And they are areas that anyone, of any age, can cultivate.

This passage gives hope to those who are young and feel underestimated: your age is not a disqualification, and your example may be more powerful than many speeches. But it also challenges the older: being a reference is not a privilege of age, it is the responsibility of anyone who lives before others. Children watch parents, colleagues watch colleagues, new converts watch the long-time believers, and those outside watch everyone. Each of us is, whether we like it or not, an example. The question is: of what?

Choose today one of the six areas in which you want to grow as an example. Perhaps it is watching the words that come out of your mouth, or keeping consistency between what you say and do, or treating a difficult person with more love, or cultivating more purity in your thoughts. Ask God for help to live it concretely during the day. Do not worry about being perfect: being an example is not being flawless, it is being genuine, humble and willing to grow. Whoever lives this way serves God and blesses those who watch.

Bible text: King James Version (public domain).