“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” I Tim. 4:12(NKJV)
One of the things that Paul exhorted the people more than once was that they look to him as an example of Christian living. Paul was not holding himself up as an example because he felt he was perfect, but as one living honestly before men. He once said, “Not that I have arrived but I am pressing on,” showing it is a matter of belief and heart relationship; a desire to live right. He was confident in his heart that his live was a representation of the Kingdom of Christ.
I have a question for each of us to ponder with regard to the effect our lives are having on those around us. “If everyone lived just like me what kind of world would this world be?” If everyone talked like me, thought like me, acted like me, would I like the neighborhood? It is not a question of being allowed to be what we want, it is a matter of how it affects other people around us.
If everyone had your temper would there be peace or war? Would your work ethic bring prosperity or poverty? Would your ideas about marriage bring lasting relations or divorce? What if everyone handled “offenses” like you? What if everyone was as forgiving as you? What if everyone was as honest as you? If everyone was as courteous as you would it bring smiles or frowns? There are many other areas to consider as well. It is a lot to ponder but let’s try it. Can we change anything?