1 Timothy chapter 4 verse 12 (NIV)
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy chapter 4: verses 15-16 (NIV)
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
We don’t know how young Timothy was, but certainly young enough for Paul to regard him as a son. Paul encourages him to make a real effort in setting an example in following Jesus. He was to do so whether he was looked down on or not. The same is true for us regardless of age or gender. No matter what people think of us we too should be more concerned about ensuring that the way we live reflects Christ in us and sets an example for others.
I was particularly struck by the part where Paul says that people should see Timothy’s progress. No matter our age, or how long we have been a Christian, we should be continuing to grow spiritually, and that too should be noticed. That got me wondering if people could say that of me. A stagnant Christian is not a very good ambassador. The bible tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. That means there is always something fresh to learn and experience from God. Its nice to thing that though we may become mature in years, and physically not be as able as we once were, that will never apply to our spiritual growth, providing we follow the same advice that Paul gave to Timothy and persevere.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be as Paul counsels Timothy to be; diligent in faith, love and purity. Thank You that there is always growth in a healthy Christian, so help me to persevere I pray. I ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen.