Set an example part 2: Life

If you’re just joining us, we’re taking a closer look at 1 Timothy 4:12, so grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair…

“Life”.  That’s rather vague, don’t you think?  It kind of encompasses, well, pretty much everything.  “How’s life?”  “What do you want to do with your life?”  “I risked life and limb to bring you this milkshake!”  (Mmmm…milkshake )

Taken at it’s surface, Paul’s directive to set an example for others in “life” can either seem like a premature summary of his point or, it can be a bit daunting.  So, for the sake of our poor brains, I’d like to narrow it down a bit.  Rather than looking at our lives as a complete, yet general, entity, I think we’ll talk about setting an example in life like this:

We can set an example for others in our approach to life.

We all have times when things just are not working the way we want them to.  And when we are in those “valleys”, it’s natural to complain and whine and feel sorry for ourselves.  In fact, it’s what the World expects.  How do I know that?  Just watch the news.  All of the broadcast.  Often, tacked on at the end is a story about someone who is in a dire situation and somehow rises above it.  If that weren’t the norm, it wouldn’t make the news.

That’s a little picture of what setting an example in life is all about.  Christians go through just as many hard seasons as everyone else (and some may argue more).  Mature, example-setting Christians rise above those difficulties.  How?  Simple – they live a life of consistency. 

Before the hard times come, example-setters are spending quality time with God and His Word.  They’re asking God to stretch them and grow their faith.  They’re seeking His face, His will and His leading.

When the hard times come, example-setters spend quality time with God and His Word.  They thank Him for giving them the opportunity to grow and to increase their faith.  They seek His face, His will and His leading.

In other words, example-setters approach life the same way, whether it’s good or bad.  Regardless of their circumstances, God is their source of life.  Sure, they may ramp up their time with Him and may cling to Him a little harder when life turns in a disappointing direction.  But because their relationship with Him and faith in Him is constant, they don’t have far to reach for His hand.

And because of that consistency in life, the valleys seem less dark and cold.  Because of that consistency, their lives don’t fall completely apart whenever a trial comes along.  In the face of tragedy, the example-setter can rest, confident that God is for them and confident that whatever comes along, He knew about it ahead of time, He’s got it under control and He has a plan.

What’s your natural, first reaction when life turns dark?  Who lives consistently as an example for you?

 

Set an example part 1: Speech

Yesterday, we talked a little about the things we sometimes allow to get in the way of fulfilling our calling to be examples for other believers.  Our basic conclusion was that we have no excuse for not setting a godly example for the people around us.  Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at exactly how we can be examples for other believers.

After telling us to set the example, Paul, very kindly, does not leave us hanging.  He doesn’t say, “Hey, be a good example.  You’ll figure out how.”  No, he offers some specific areas in which we can set the standard for those who follow behind us.  I want to take apart Paul’s advice and look at each area individually.  But first, here’s a quick review:

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  ~I Timothy 4:12

I don’t know about you, but if someone gives me an instruction and walks away, I sometimes feel a little lost.  I like to ask a few follow-up questions, just to make sure I’m about to go down the right path.  So let’s look at area #1 and ask that most important of questions:

How, exactly, do we set an example for the believers (especially younger or newer believers) in our speech? 

When it comes to what’s coming out of our mouths, the key is to listen!!

Let’s listen to what we talk about:

• Is what I’m saying gossip or legitimate concern?
• Is what I’m saying a lie or the complete truth told in love?
• Is what I’m saying inappropriate or appropriate for my audience?
• Is what I’m saying tearing someone down or encouraging her heart? 

Let’s listen to how we talk:

• Is my tone of voice harsh or gentle?
• Am I speaking out of selfish anger or godly anger?
• Do I sound jealous or genuinely happy about someone else’s fortune?
• Do I sound happy about or genuinely sorry for someone else’s misfortune?

If we stop before we open our mouths and ask ourselves a few questions, we are well on our way to setting a good example for others in our speech.  Like mom always said, “Think before you speak.”  And if you don’t have time to do a full speech inventory, just ask yourself this one question: “Will the words coming out of my mouth honor God?”  The answer to that one question can make all the difference in the world.

How do you keep a rein on your tongue?  Who in your life has set a good example for you in the area of speech?

 

Don’t let anyone look down on you

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve had the great privilege this summer to serve, worship and study alongside an amazing group of people from my church.  The ministries of Awakening (worship), Refuel (study) and Motion (service) have been the back bone of the summer for about 30 of us. 

It’s hard to put my finger on just one thing that has impressed me the most about this group, but up toward the top of the list is this: This group knows how to set an example.  As a group, they’ve set an example for their peers in worship.  They’ve set an example for me in their thirst for God’s Word.  They’ve set an example in the church in their service to others.  And what I’ve loved seeing the most is the college kids and older high school kids set an example for those coming behind them in the values they hold and in their behavior.

This idea of setting an example has me thinking a lot about the example I set for others, especially the kids in my church and the people I hung out with all summer.  The verse that has been tacked on the end of every e-mail for Motion this summer is the following:

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  ~I Timothy 4:12

This is a verse that has been used by youth groups for, I’m pretty sure, centuries.  Or at least since the inception of youth groups.  I think there’s more to it than we usually see, however.  It says, don’t let anyone look down on you because you’re young.  But often, it isn’t our youth that we allow people to look down on…

• Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are old…
• Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are single…
• Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are a stay-at-home-mom…
• Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are unemployed…
• Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are ___________…

There is no excuse for not fulfilling your calling.  There is no excuse for not stepping up in ministry.  There is no excuse for not setting an example for fellow believers.  The gospel calls us to action.  Let’s get on our feet and do it.  And let’s not let anyone look down on us – for any reason.  Let’s set the example…

What kind of example are you setting for the believers around you?  How are you encouraging others in their faith?