Let No One Despise Your Youth

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
I Timothy 4:12

Here Paul is speaking specifically to the youth. He is encouraging them to be an example. Most of the time when we think of being an example to others we automatically think of showing Christ to non believers. While this is good and right, I think we tend to forget about our fellow believers and the fact that we, as youths, are exhorted to be an example to the believers as well. We all have our struggles and areas in our hearts that are less than desirable, even as Christians. In Proverbs we are told;

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17

We are to be an example to our fellow believers. We are to sharpen their countenance, sharpen the example they set. Just as they are to help sharpen our countenance and our example.

Paul gives us a list of areas that we are to focus on being an example in;

Word
When you speak to others, family friends etc. here are some things to think about.
First of all, How am I speaking? What you are saying may be needed but are you saying it in a kind and loving way?
What am I saying? Here is an acronym to help you think;
Is what I'm saying,
True
Helpful
Inspiring
Necessary
Kind

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29

Conduct
Are my actions displaying a love for Christ?

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

Love
Am I showing the Love of Christ, full of grace and mercy? Or am I showing the love of the world? I love you but. . .

Spirit
Is my heart full and pouring over with the Holy Spirit of the Lord? Do the fellow believers see His Spirit in me? Am I allowing the Spirit to guide me in everything I do?

Faith
Am I showing that I fully trust the Lord with my doubts, my what if's and if only's. Do I have the peace that comes with putting all my faith in the living God? Am I showing what it means to have true faith?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Purity
In all that I say, do, and think, am I being pure in mind, body, heart, and soul?

Let's rise up to our responsibility as youths for our Lord. Let's help advance His Kingdom in the ways He has called us to. And let us be and example to the believers.