Example

1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

As Christians, we don't get a pass in certain areas of our lives. We are called to a higher standard, we are called to live a life that follows so closely after Christ that we are an example to be followed.

Paul lists 6 different specific areas where we are to be examples. The first is in word which just means exactly that - the words we say ought to encourage, uplift, and bring others closer to God. The second is conversation which literally means, "manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment." The third is in charity or love. The fourth is in spirit. This is a word with deep meanings. However, what I think Paul is getting at is that we ought to be an example in how we feel, think, and decide. The fifth is in faith, or our fervent conviction that the Gospel is true and thereby something we ought to live our life by. And finally, the sixth is in purity which has the idea of us being set apart completely from sin.

As Christians, we ought to aim for being examples to everyone we are around n the words we say, in our daily behavior, in the love we demonstrate through that behavior, in how we feel, think, and decide, in how we believe in God and act on that belief, and in how we separate ourselves from sin unto God.

It is a tall order, to be sure. However, we have the Holy Spirit within us and the power of Christ on our side. Let's do it.