what it's about

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, be an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)


Something I struggled with while growing up in the church was the idea of an "example". The amount of pressure put on children to be perfect, to show others what it looks like to live for Christ is unbearable, and, quite honestly, impossible. I admit that up until the end of last week I hadn't really ever thought about what the word "example" really means in the context of this verse.

No one is perfect. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Naturally, even those pastor's kids and deacon's children have problems with lying or bad language (speech), behavior in school or around friends (conduct), and misusing the word "love" and treating people poorly. I'd be worried if a young Christian didn't have their doubts. And everyone at some point in their life faces temptations and lust. 

The reality of the situation is that Christians, even young ones, sin. Thankfully Christ knows this and is forgiving. 

What does this have to do with being an example? Naturally we don't want the children in our church to be running rampant and cussing up a storm. But we need to accept that they will make mistakes, and it's our job to be examples to them. Not examples of perfection, because only Christ is capable of that. We need to be examples of what it looks like to give our imperfections to Christ and receive his love and forgiveness. 

We need to be examples of how giving Christ our problems, fears, and mistakes instills so much peace that we can focus on bringing others to Christ, rather than spending our time trying to look perfect.

Bible study option: Graceful (A study by Emily J. Freeman)