“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
It is not a matter of whether or not you are setting an example. You are setting an example. If you are indifferent about your faith people will know. If you are intent on doing what you want to do, regardless of the consequences, it will show. If you are setting a Christian example that will show. Max Lucado had it right when he wrote: “In our faith we follow in someone’s steps. In our faith we leave footprints to guide others. It’s the principle of discipleship.” We need to take to heart the words of an anonymous author: “Are you the kind of person whose life serves as a powerful example of righteousness? Are you a person whose behavior serves as a positive role model for young people? Are you the kind of Christian whose actions day and day out, are based upon integrity, fidelity, and a love for the Lord? If so, you are not only blessed by God, you are also a powerful force for good in a world that desperately needs positive influences such as yours.” It would be good if all of us set this kind of example. 1 Timothy 4:12 tells us how we can be such examples: It tells us to be good examples in "word". We need to be careful about what we say, but not only that, we need to be careful how we say it. When we use sarcastic and demeaning words, we are not setting the example that Jesus set. Words, like arrows, once said cannot be recalled. (There have been many times in my life when I have wished they could be.) It tells us to be good examples in "conduct." (In the KJV the word is “conversation,” which in 1611 meant “conduct.”) It does matter what we do. We like to think that what we do is our own business, and to a certain extent this is true, but if what we do sets a bad example God will hold us responsible. The Bible mentions that we should not be “stumblingblocks” in what we do, even if we do not necessarily see wrong in what we are doing. As Christians, we cannot think only of ourselves, and this is certainly true in our conduct. It tells us to be good examples in "love." This is where we really set bad examples for the world. How can people take us seriously when we do not show love for each other in Christ’s church? We need to stop and think about our example to the world when we want to fight each other. People need to see Christ’s love in us. It tells us to be good examples in "spirit." I think that the word here means attitude. We need to work on having a positive attitude toward life. When we have sour attitudes, people are turned off by our witness. I know that it is difficult to maintain a positive attitude at times, but it is important if we want to be good examples. It tells us to be good examples in "faith." When we have faith in Christ, we can face even the difficult times of life in a positive manner. We need to trust God in all areas of our lives, regardless of the circumstances. People observe how we react to our own difficulties. If we become bitter that will certainly set a bad example. It tells us to be good examples in "purity." We need to live before others so that they can see Christ at work in us. We need to be careful that we do the right thing and say the right thing in private and in public. I think that if you look over the list given in the text, you will see that all of these were portrayed in the life of Jesus. If we want to set a Christ like example, we will be careful about all of these things. Bro. Joe
1 Comment
Margaret M Jones
1/26/2016 08:45:59 am
Thank you for this devotion this a.m. One of my goals: to have a positive attitude, to be a blessing to someone each day.
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