Set An Example

Today, I was doing some reading...I came across a very familiar verse of Scripture...When I was a youth pastor, I used this verse on a regular basis (meaning at least once a year I'd make reference to this verse)...And, almost every junior or senior high camp I've been a part of has used this verse in some manner.

Here's the verse:

"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 4:12)

What struck me this morning about this verse is how much focus is put on the first part of this verse..."Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young." Some youth ministries I'm familiar with use this as their battle cry. It is a good thing...a call to stand up...a call to not be intimidated because of ones age.

So, this morning, I'm being challenged to think more about the second part of this verse..."set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." I think those of us who many be considered "young" could make an incredible impact on our churches, our communities, our world if we would take seriously the call to set an example.

My question for you to ponder this morning is "What kind of an example are you setting for those around you?"