Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is 1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

These instructions, given by the apostle Paul to Timothy, are not just a comment on Timothy’s age, but on the gravity of the call that is upon him and his obligation as a man of God to not only instruct the church in righteousness but to live a life that exemplifies the character of God. Timothy is clearly a young man, but he is not a novice. He has served with the apostle Paul and is now one of the leaders of the early church. He has stood in faith and has embraced the qualities of godly living and the sacrificial giving of himself to the work of the Lord.

These instructions are not only for Timothy; they are in the word of God for our instruction as well.  Irrespective of our station in life, we all have the responsibility before God to follow in the steps of Christ, which is what the apostle Paul is instructing Timothy to do. If you are young, don’t let the follies of youth dictate the course of your behavior. Put God first in all things and follow the example of Christ. If you are old, don’t allow the accumulated burdens of a life that may have been lived under less than ideal circumstances deter you from your walk of faith. Collectively we make up the body of Christ and individually we contribute to the life of His body according to what God has determined for each of us. 

Let no man despise you; fully reflect the attributes of Christ and by so doing you will be an encouragement to the church and an example to the world.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim