What Kind Of An Example Are You
1 Timothy 4:12, 16
Vs 12: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
Vs 16: "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you."
Even tho Paul is talking to Timothy here, who is young - these verses fit to ALL of us, young or old. We are to live in such a way, that we are 'examples' of Jesus. Showing/living our faith, love and trust in Him. Interesting that 'purity' is used here. Of course this is for actual purity for those not married, but I think it is also 'pure in heart' - our utter love and devotion to Jesus. Pure.
Then 'our teaching' - do you know, that you 'teach' others every day?!? Yup! You teach your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers.... you DO teach them all, something, every day. Paul here even goes so far as to say that SALVATION depends on our living/teaching - WOW!! We want to further Gods kingdom, that is done thru salvation. Imagine, your neighbors know that you 'say' you are a Christian, so they 'watch' you. They 'listen' to what you do, as well as what you say. What if, they were really searching and reaching out to God in prayer, then they see or hear you cursing and acting badly over something.... Would they run TO or AWAY from God? Could that have been the moment they would have prayed and reached out to God for His saving grace? If so, and they turned away, you and I WILL be held accountable for that on judgment day. Ouch!! Yes, we are human. Yes, we mess up. However, does that ever come up in our conversations with our neighbors? Our repentance? It should! I'm not trying to 'shame' anyone here, but make us all aware. All that we say and do, is being watched, observed, and hopefully desired.
Today, go thru the ABC's, thanking God for all He has done and for who He is. Then go thru the ABC's again with confessions of what you need to let go of to Him. Don't allow the enemy to keep a stronghold or chain on you! Break free - be the example of Jesus you were meant to be!
Vs 12: “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
Vs 16: "Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you."
Even tho Paul is talking to Timothy here, who is young - these verses fit to ALL of us, young or old. We are to live in such a way, that we are 'examples' of Jesus. Showing/living our faith, love and trust in Him. Interesting that 'purity' is used here. Of course this is for actual purity for those not married, but I think it is also 'pure in heart' - our utter love and devotion to Jesus. Pure.
Then 'our teaching' - do you know, that you 'teach' others every day?!? Yup! You teach your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers.... you DO teach them all, something, every day. Paul here even goes so far as to say that SALVATION depends on our living/teaching - WOW!! We want to further Gods kingdom, that is done thru salvation. Imagine, your neighbors know that you 'say' you are a Christian, so they 'watch' you. They 'listen' to what you do, as well as what you say. What if, they were really searching and reaching out to God in prayer, then they see or hear you cursing and acting badly over something.... Would they run TO or AWAY from God? Could that have been the moment they would have prayed and reached out to God for His saving grace? If so, and they turned away, you and I WILL be held accountable for that on judgment day. Ouch!! Yes, we are human. Yes, we mess up. However, does that ever come up in our conversations with our neighbors? Our repentance? It should! I'm not trying to 'shame' anyone here, but make us all aware. All that we say and do, is being watched, observed, and hopefully desired.
Today, go thru the ABC's, thanking God for all He has done and for who He is. Then go thru the ABC's again with confessions of what you need to let go of to Him. Don't allow the enemy to keep a stronghold or chain on you! Break free - be the example of Jesus you were meant to be!
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