1 Timothy 4:12 (New International Version) 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
This is Mission Minded Teens' theme verse because it tells youths (teens) to let no man despise our youth. Despise means "to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain; scorn; loathe." (Dictionary.com) We are to be an example to the believers, those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter how old they are.
We are to be examples for them in speech, in the way that we speak kindly, not harsh. We speak with respect, love, and care. We are to conduct conversation that pleases God, speak of things concerning Him, not things of this world, not evil.
We are to be examples for them in life. How we live, how we work with others, what we say, what we do, how we dress, where we go, etc, etc. People are watching, they look at you to see what you do. Especially young Christians; just like a younger sibling does what you do, younger Christians will see what you are doing, and, whether good or bad, will think it's O.K. ("younger Christian" does not necessarily mean physically younger, just younger in the faith.)
We are also to be examples for them in love. Love our brothers and sisters in Christ, love God, love the lost, love our enemies. But show it in way that pleases God, not man.
We are to be examples in faith. Show your faith to the world, make known you're beliefs in the Savior. But be sure not to do it as the Pharisees, for they would make sure everyone thought they were perfect, they would pray out in public, and do all the sacrifices, and on and on and on. We are to tell our faith to the world, but in a quiet and humble way.
We are to be examples for the believers in purity. Especially for girls. For example: dress modestly and don't go out with a boy unless he's your husband. Also, I like one of the definitions that dictionary.com used it says: "The degree to which a color is free from being mixed with other colors." Apply that to yourself. What does that mean? Keep away from things that draw you away from your Savior.
That must be one of our main goals in life. To set an example for the other believers.
Challenge: How do you set an example? Chose one of these things and try it out. What do others think? Did it make a difference in your life or someone elses?
In Christ,
P.S. What would y'all think of me doing a study on 1st Timothy like the 2nd Timothy one?
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