12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. (I Timothy 4)
Paul was challenging Timothy to set the example, even though he was not the "eldest". Yet, he at other times urged him to follow Paul's example, and even more so the example of Christ. First and foremost, we are to be followers of Christ, in His humility and unselfish service and sacrifice. But at some point, and hopefully more increasingly, we are to lead the way, first by example. Our speech, actions, and attitudes in life should demonstrate our faith and devotion to God, and to live by His truth. But we cannot stop there. We must add spoken truth to our example - as Peter says, to be "Ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us." We must be ready to explain our example - that we are living to please our Holy, loving, all-powerful, merciful God. While we do these things, one of the hardest things is not letting our words or actions get in the way - to make sure we do not hinder others from being drawn to God. It's a tall order, but in pursuing these things we get to see how great our God, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit really are.
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