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

Timothy was Paul’s companion in many of his journeyings. The Apostle, having formed a high opinion in the young man, arranged that he should become his companion. He took Timothy in and circumcised him so that he might conciliate with the Jews. Timothy was designated to the office of an evangelist and went with Paul to Galatia, Mysia and all over the known world until Paul was falsely arrested and imprisoned.

His first epistle to Timothy, he shares wisdom on worship, organization of the church and the responsibility resting on church leaders as shepherds leading a flock. It is known that Timothy was around sixteen years old when Paul took him in and in his twenties at the time this first epistle was written. Paul challenges Timothy to be an example in speech, conduct, faith, love and purity.

Many young Christians today do not realize the importance of being an example to the society. If Christ, at that age in his life was an example of love, faith, conduct, love and purity, then why can we not emulate the same feet? Scripture says that “He went about doing good.” Which means that everywhere He went, He reflected God.

Just as Paul challenged Timothy, today we also challenge ourselves. We will not let societal standards, our past or any other thing cripple or hinder us from reflecting Christ and being an example in our communities and the world at large. So help us God. Amen.