BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVER

🌸1 Timothy 4:12

“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”.

This is one of my favorite scriptures from

The Bible.

So, what does it really mean to “let no man despise thy youth?

What does it mean for you to be an “example of the believer?”

For me, being an example of the believers is living what I believe. Being a representative of that which I support, believe or stand for. Being an example of the believers means: representing Jesus Christ at all times, in all things, and in all places that I may be in. 

It means standing up for what I know is right, even when it's hard. 

The most important part about being an example of the believers is CHOOSING to be that example. It's easy to talk about it but living it is different. Choosing to be an example means choosing to act, speak, and treat ourselves and others in a way that allows God's Spirit to be with us. It means having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and knowing that He will help us. It means living a chaste life and being pure in our words and deeds. 

I was blessed to be raised by amazing family members, and surrounded by good friends. They were prime examples of what this scripture means. They lived as they believed and by what they preached. They taught me to do the same. Of course they warent perfect and absolutely made mistakes along the way (just as we all do) but they kept going. The fact that they tried very hard to do and say as they preached was eye opening to me as a young child. Instead of being discouraged, they focused on the little by little each day.

For those who may be thinking that's a lot of to-do's and you don't think you can do it all, don't even worry about that. This is why we are here to practice and try over again. Being an example of the believers doesn't mean you have to be perfect or do everything perfectly, it primarily means trying to be like Jesus a little bit each day. That's all.

Don't worry, the Lord will help you. He has marked the way, He has set the example of how to do what He needs us to-do. As we follow Him, others will see His light shining through us, and will want that same light in their lives.

What does it mean for you to be an example of the believers?