OUTLIVE THE CRITICS
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.
I mentioned outlive the critics one Wednesday night in a message. Everyone laughed, thinking that I meant live so long that all your critics die off. That is one way to do it, but that is not what I had in mind. What I meant was live in such a way that the critics have nothing bad they can point to. Now I am well aware that the truth has not always stopped a critic. They can fabricate stories based on lies. But Paul had the best advice. Live in such a way that you make it hard to disregard you.
Paul was writing to Timothy, who was the lead pastor of the large church in Ephesus. Timothy was a young pastor and may have drawn heat because his age or lack of age. So Paul instructed Timothy on the best strategy for dealing with critics: be an example. It is one thing to preach and teach. That is communication resulting from a God given gift. The sad news is that a person can be an outstanding speaker without being an outstanding Christian. Paul never wrote Timothy and said, 'Let no one despise, or look down upon your youth, but preach and teach better.’ He never emphasized better preaching; Paul emphasized better living. And then gave Timothy the areas where he was to lead by being an example.
Being an example in word. Timothy was instructed to speak words of life based on the truth of Scripture. The Scriptures have a lot to say about our words, and it is worth noting that words were the first area Paul addressed. It was Paul who wrote the church at Ephesus and told them to let no toxic, corrupting word come out of their mouths. Words are important examples.
Be an example in conduct, how you live. Aren’t there books about this subject? Yes, but the Bible is a best place to start. The Scriptures tell us to live differently from the world around us by renewing our minds. And that we are to live as children of light. Our actions give credibility to our words.
Be an example of love. No getting around this area; it is a commandment from the Lord Jesus that we are to love one another in the same way He loved us. The thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians is a great exposé on the divine kind of love we are to practice. It's harder to look down on someone who has the strength to walk in love.
Be an example in spirit. Some translations leave this word out, but I am going to go with the New King James Bible and mention it anyway. The spirit in which we do things is vital. It's possible to do the right thing in the wrong spirit. To have a bad attitude when working with people. The spirit in which someone carries out their activities can leave a good or bad aroma, or feeling. We all know of people who did what they were instructed, but hated doing it the entire time. Conversely, how refreshing it is to meet someone who does what they do with a great spirit.
Be an example of faith. This is so connected to our lives as believers. To be an example of faith when people are distressed and afraid. To be an example of trusting God even when things are not looking good. An atmosphere of faith makes such a difference in a church, a family, a business, a team. For leaders of the faith, living a life of faith speaks volumes.
Be an example of purity. Timothy was single and was instructed to treat women with dignity and respect. The younger women were to be treated as sisters, the older women as mothers. Keep in mind, Timothy was in an environment where promiscuity was the norm. So purity was relevant then and is still relevant today, especially for Christian leaders.
Even though this was written to a leader, the principles apply to all of us. We can overcome resistance to the gospel of Christ by living lives that speak well of Him.
PRAYER
Lord help me live as an example. I want to be a better witness for You.