1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)
12 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.
When a book is really enjoyable, people say it is a “good read.” People say that your life may be the only Bible a person ever reads. If they read your life, would you like the review? Would it be encouraging? Paul tells Timothy to be an example in word, deed and spirit. What does it mean in “spirit”? I think it means we are to have a right attitude toward whatever we do. With a poor attitude, you will set the wrong example. What example do you want to set?
I came to Christ later in life. I was 46. I had always known of Him but never taken it any further than knowing (head knowledge). One of the blessings I have had is friends of all ages. One such friend was Ed. I met him through my wife’s family. Jean had become friends with Jim and Ed was his dad. Ed had physical challenges that limited his ability to do many things but he had a strong spirit. I later learned that was the Spirit of the Lord that burned within him. Ed was a doer even if he could not physically do it himself. He had five kids and he taught them (probably) more than they wanted to know at the time about how things are done. Ed set an example. It was his book I was reading because I had not yet come to reading the Bible. I watched how Ed conducted his life. How he faced difficulties and challenges and navigated through them. He had a confidence. He knew where he was going. No, he wasn’t perfect. None of us are. But there was a confidence and determination that was unmistakable. He knew who he was and whose he was. And, slowly, patiently, Ed planted seeds of how life should be lived even though he never mentioned the Gospel. He lived it! He was an awesome friend and mentor to me. I loved him. I’d say he was a good read. He went to be with the Lord in 1989 before he got the chance to see those seeds take root and grow. But he knew what he was doing. Ed followed what his Lord requested. He planted seeds. He watered and he waited. But God gave the increase. Those seeds led me to the Lord.
What seeds are you planting? Do you share the Good News with others in word and deed? Are you leading people closer to or further from the Lord? Are you a good read? Go out and show the world what it means to serve a Risen Lord! Plant seeds!
Lord, help us to be the good news to others. Give us opportunities to share You with a hurting world. Let our actions speak louder than our words and our story draw people closer to You. May we live in such a way that others want to learn why. Let us be the example and conduct ourselves in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. In Jesus name we pray! Amen