DON'T BE INTIMIDATED;
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe". 1 Timothy 4:12
Has there
ever been a time in your life when you felt like you had nothing to
offer or that your contributions didn’t matter? Ever had to prove
yourself to others in order to gain their respect?
Think back to your childhood—maybe you experienced this in a classroom or on a sports team. It’s easy to be intimidated or overshadowed by those who are older, smarter, more talented or more experienced than we are. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young believer.
He encourages him not to give anyone an excuse to write him off as immature or undeserving of their attention, but instead to confidently set an excellent example of the Christian life.
Of course, Paul’s message here doesn’t apply only to Timothy, but to us as well. Even if we sometimes feel useless, God has a plan to use us for His glory in every situation. He enables us to live in a way that exalts Him and to bless others with our example.
In this verse, Paul names five specific areas in our lives that should be representative of a changed heart, the first of which is speech.
This is probably one of the most difficult aspects of our character to keep in check; as James 3:6 says,“the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” Although there’s no denying that it’s challenging, it’s vital that we learn to control what we say since it often has a huge effect on others.
Thoughtful and loving words can establish relationships, but just a few angry or careless words can destroy years of friendship.
"May our eyes be open to see our worth in Christ Jesus".
Pray with me:
Lord, teach me to build relationships and not destroy them with unwholesome words, in Jesus' Name.
Have a blessed day in Jesus name!
Think back to your childhood—maybe you experienced this in a classroom or on a sports team. It’s easy to be intimidated or overshadowed by those who are older, smarter, more talented or more experienced than we are. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young believer.
He encourages him not to give anyone an excuse to write him off as immature or undeserving of their attention, but instead to confidently set an excellent example of the Christian life.
Of course, Paul’s message here doesn’t apply only to Timothy, but to us as well. Even if we sometimes feel useless, God has a plan to use us for His glory in every situation. He enables us to live in a way that exalts Him and to bless others with our example.
In this verse, Paul names five specific areas in our lives that should be representative of a changed heart, the first of which is speech.
This is probably one of the most difficult aspects of our character to keep in check; as James 3:6 says,“the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” Although there’s no denying that it’s challenging, it’s vital that we learn to control what we say since it often has a huge effect on others.
Thoughtful and loving words can establish relationships, but just a few angry or careless words can destroy years of friendship.
"May our eyes be open to see our worth in Christ Jesus".
Pray with me:
Lord, teach me to build relationships and not destroy them with unwholesome words, in Jesus' Name.
Have a blessed day in Jesus name!
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