Be the Example (Daily Refresh,1-11-26)

Have you ever felt too young—or too old—to do something important? Too small for a big job? Too inexperienced to contribute something meaningful? Too underqualified to make a real difference?

In the book of 1 Timothy, which is a God-inspired letter from Paul to his “son in the faith,” Timothy, Paul equips and encourages Timothy in things like doctrine, leadership, and living out the ways of God. He writes: 

“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 ‭NIV‬‬

If you’ve ever felt too young, remember that God has purposefully put you here, at this specific time in history. He desires to use your passion, drive, vision, energy, and ideas to magnify His glory. You see things from a unique vantage point, and that is a great thing.

If you’ve ever felt too old, remember that God has purposefully put you here, at this specific time in history. You have grit, wisdom, leadership, and the gift of life experience. You see things from a unique vantage point, and that is a great thing.

You are never too young, or too old, to be used by God.

No matter your age, God has empowered you to love Him and to love others, and to live a life that points people to Him. How can you do that? You can set an example—in the way you talk, in the way you act, in the way you love, in the way you live out your faith, and in your purity.

You can be the example.
You can represent Him.

My Thoughts

I am consistently reminded by God’s Spirit that I may be the only “Jesus”that some people will see today, so I need to act accordingly. When I am in pain and trying to hold in the grimace that wants to encompass my whole face, I am reminded that the pain is temporary but where people will spend eternity is forever. When I am having a bad day and things are just not going the way I planned or the way I want them to, I am reminded that the world is fallen and things aren’t going God’s way either. But I can make a difference to others by not showing the a bad attitude. We can make a difference, one person at a time. Jesus took our sins on the cross and suffered a horrible, unimaginable death. We can show up every day with a positive attitude, determined in our hearts to represent our Lord to the best of our ability. Don’t be one who believes in “fake it until you make it.” Be the one who “shows it until they (the others in your life) know it.”

Be blessed to be a blessing!