December 31, 2006
Our Verse: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity"(I Timothy 4:12)
The Meaning: We do not know how old Timothy was at this time. Anyone under the age of forty could be considered a youth. We ahve to remember that there was a special reverence for age during that time. The church evidently tended, at least on occassion, to fail to show proper respect for leaders who were considered youthful. From the point of view expressed in the letter, respect was not to be predicted on age.
The members of the church were not to "despise" Timothy's "youth." This means that they were not to dismiss his leadership and counsel because they felt that he lacked wisdom of age. Respect was commanded by the quality of life. Soi Paul enjoined Timothy to "set the believers an example" by what he said, the way he lived, his teachings of the major Christian virtues of love and faith, and the moralitty of his personal life. The responsibility for receiving respect, therefore, lies with the Christian Leaders. He cannot expect it if his life does not merit it.
Application: It is our job to make sure that our lives warrant the respect that they deserve. We must also keep in mind that there are always those younger that are seeking role models. I believe God would have us to be these role models.
There is also our unsaved friends, you may be the only Jesus they see. So you should be an example to them as well. I know that this may seem deep for some of us, but this is the job we have been given. Lets go out there and be the vessel God may use to bring the lost into His wonderful light..
.
