“Set the Believers an Example”

Our conduct, the kind of example we set, matters. Regardless of our stage in life, our
goal should be to be a positive Christian example for others, especially for believers.
What we do and say should reflect the life and impact of Jesus on us.
Jesus instructed his disciples about being a good example in saying: “let your light
shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in
heaven” (Matthew 5:16) Paul, echoing the same instruction as Jesus, instructs
Timothy in his first letter about the how to be an example and the qualities he should
exhibit, Paul says:

“…. set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith,
in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

A wise Christian should desire to submit to Christ in all of these qualities so as to be
an example for good. God’s Word has much to say in each of these characteristics:
1. Speech: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so
that you may know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:6) We
should strive for wisdom to know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it so that
those listening may walk away better for it.

2. Conduct: “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they
speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the
day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12) Conduct yourself in a way that shines for good such
that it speaks for itself even to those that may criticize against it.

3. Love: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one
another” (John 13:35) Our love for one another should be a hallmark, our “calling
card”, for what others remember about us.

4. Faith: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
himself for me” (Galatians 2:20) The faith we have in Jesus will be known by our
confidence in knowing who we belong to (Jesus) and where we are going.

5. Purity: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual
immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy
and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God” (1 These
4:3–5). Live a life that is sanctified, set a part and avoiding the things of the world.

The same instruction is true and valuable today as much as it was those many years
ago when Paul instructed Timothy. Young believers should be encouraged to shine
brightly for Christ and be an example to all believers, regardless of their age. A
Christian’s character and priorities can point people to the salvation Christ offers.

Can the influence of one righteous young man or young woman make a difference in the
world? The answer is YES!
– Steve Ledford