Bible Thoughts

January 24, 1999

Each person has influence upon others. The influence may be negative or positive: it is up to the individual. Whatever one's age, position in life, standing in the community, etc., all of us have influence on people with whom we come in contact from day-to-day.

The apostle is encouraging the young preacher to so live that one will not "despise" his youth. The time to start in the service of God is in one's youth. Even children have within them the power to set an example and influence others. Young people, always live and act around your peers as a Christian should act. You will never regret it and will look back with satisfaction as you grow older that you took a stand for the ways of Christ.

While many will not have the opportunity to learn and follow the paths of righteousness as a child, there are others, like Timothy, who did have faithful patterns set before them. Parents, grandparents, and adults, it is essential to the spiritual welfare of a child that you live an example of faith before the young. The decisions that you make, the positions you take, and the life that you live will be observed by the coming generations. Did you ever experience watching your child or grandchild try to walk in your shoes? The shoes were oversized and resulted in an amusing situation as they stumbled, trying to maintain a balance, lest they fall. They wanted to fill your shoes and wear them because they desired to walk in your steps. Is this not true spiritually and morally? What they see in us will have a tremendous influence on their future conduct, behavior, and attitude toward God and God's truth.

Whether one is young or old, one should live in such a manner that he/she is not despised. The righteous influence that will lead others to the Lord, cause one to be able to guide brethren, and finally, enable one to stand before God in all good conscience, is possible only when one lives as the Lord commands.

Paul addresses the various areas in which Timothy was to be an ensample to other believers. When we live the example in the areas of which Paul speaks, that righteous influence will eventually have an effect on others.

The first area of which Paul speaks is to be an example in word. Our conversation is to reflect the principles of truth and goodness. Lying, false accusations, surmisings, etc. have no place in the conversation of the righteous. One will find that when the Christian speaks as a Christian should, those who are around will be exposed to how any person should speak and, many times, will clean up their own speech. Telling dirty jokes, taking the Lord's name in vain, and speaking falsehoods about others may be the way of many, but the righteous speech of the disciple is the proper example.

The ensample for the one who follows Christ is seen in all manner of life. There is no way of speaking of an example without including behavior. A life that lives the principles of Christ is that about which Paul speaks. There is a difference in how God's people live and the way in which the world lives. "Love not the world, neither the things of the world" was John's admonition(I John 2:15). The worldly gamble(includes the lottery); Christians do not. The worldly imbibe in alcohol and drugs; the Christian lives a sober life. The worldly place riches above God; Christians do not. The worldly seek entertainment that promotes unrighteousness; the Christian avoids such "fun." The worldly promote and approve dishonorable conduct; the Christian respects decency and honor. The worldly dress to incite passions and lusts; the Christian dresses modestly. The worldly justify lyng; Christians tell the truth. The worldly choose evil companionship; Christians seek to be with those who make them stronger in the faith. The worldly choose this world(lust of flesh, lust of eyes, and vainglory of life); the disciple chooses to live for the next life. How is it possible to influence others toward Christ if one does not live the principles of Christ?

The power of the disciples' influence is seen in the love found in the actions(example) seen by others. The proper example will show respect for God and the things of God because of the love of God and of truth. It will be demonstrated in the good will shown toward fellow humans. This love leads one to help others in their search for truth; teach others who need instruction; encourage those who are fainthearted; support those who are weak; stand behind those who are strong; and, above all, put the Lord and the service we give to him above all else. When one loves the Lord, he will love those whom God created.

A strong faith will be a worthy example to all who observe the life of a disciple. Paul encouraged such in Timothy and left the instructions for all believers to, "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might"(Ephesians 6:10). What would make the Ephesians, and us, a strong example of the faith they had in the Lord and his word. This kind of example will eventually bring fruit, both in the life of the Christian, and in leading others toward the Lord. This faith must be cultivated by a continual study of the Word of God and applying the principles to the life of the disciple.

The life that is setting the proper example to others is a life of purity. Paul was aware of the youth of Timothy and the strong passions that existed within him. It was most fitting that an example of purity be emphasized. When one is clean in life, in thoughts, in actions, etc., an understanding of holiness is evident. The defilements of the world are all around Christians. In the midst of the ungodly behaviors of so many, a pure life is difficult to live. With determination and faith in God, it can be done. You can live an example to your family, to your friends, to your neighbors, to the disciples, and to all others that will say to each one, "I am a Christian because I live a life for Christ."

"Lord, give me vision to see the good in my brother, kindness to cover his faults, and strength to lift him up without being pulled down." - Jimmy Thomas