Setting an example
by Pastor Jim Strelan
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Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and purity (1 Timothy 6:12).
One of the main criticisms levelled at the Christian church and its followers by non-believers is that we are all hypocrites. We preach love, but we don’t demonstrate love. Worse still, the church has for too long been an agent of abuse in so many ways, including spiritual abuse. We have to accept that and be ashamed of it. However, we believe in God and his goodness, believe God loves unconditionally and believe he is a forgiving God, so how do we match what we think with how we act?
In the Scripture today, the Apostle Paul gives advice and encouragement to a young pastor, Timothy. He reminds him that ‘we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all, and especially of those who believe’ (verse 10). So, Paul urges Timothy, who is grounded in that hope, to not let anything get in the way of the message – not his youth (a great encouragement for the young) nor his behaviour. Be exemplary in every aspect of your life so that there is nothing that will cause anyone to stumble.
If we didn’t know it before, this following Jesus thing is demanding. Yes, Paul’s encouragement is especially for those in leadership, but all of us bear the name of Christ, and so, all of us are a testimony to the Christ we believe in. Firstly, matching our behaviour with our beliefs is about setting an example for other believers. But it is also a witness to those who look for ammunition to discredit us. I know of people who are quite out there with their faith so that no-one can doubt where they are coming from, and yet they are respected by everyone because they are seen to be genuine. Others may not share their faith, but they respect them because what they say they believe matches the way they are. Think about the impact the opposite of that might have.
Paul’s words are not meant to make Timothy feel bad or unworthy. So, when we read them, we need to know the same thing. They are words of encouragement. The God in whom our hope rests is a living God, and, as such, he works in us and through us. When our trust is firmly focused, he works in us and through us so that our lives can reflect the one we believe in. And he keeps working in us, day by day. So be encouraged.
Lord Jesus, continue to work in me so that my speech and actions reflect everything you are. Amen.
Jim Strelan is a retired pastor who lives in Brisbane, Queensland. He has worked in Papua New Guinea, two Lutheran colleges and two suburban congregations, both with schools. He has three children and seven grandchildren and loves them all unconditionally. His passion is to share the gospel in ways that are as clear and simple as possible.
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