SET AN EXAMPLE

 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.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

                As I was driving in to church this morning a State Trooper passed me. I had my cruise control set at 70, which is the speed limit. The trooper passed me easily, which means he was exceeding the posted speed limit. This is not the first time I have had that experience. It made me wonder what kind of an example that sets for other drivers. If the State Trooper can drive 5-10 miles over the speed limit, maybe it is okay for me to do the same.

                I use this illustration to point out that our actions are constantly setting an example for others. This is particularly true of adults for children. Children are great observers. This is the primary way that they learn. They are constantly watching what the adults in their lives are doing. Instinctively, they will begin to pattern their lives after the examples set by those around them. Many of these learned behaviors are just the normal activities of life, but not all. The way that children see adults respond toward one another will set the stage for how they will react in similar situations.

                As believers in Christ, we have a responsibility to set an example for those around us about how we are to live. Unfortunately, the church has not always done a good job of this. We often portray a negative or combative attitude. This can be seen within the church as well as the way some believers respond to the world around them. It is no wonder that many young adults today have walked away from the church. They have heard us preach one thing and live out something different.

                The Apostle Paul challenged Timothy to set an example for the believers in five specific ways. Paul was calling Timothy to lead the way in developing people who actually lived out their faith in their everyday lives. The challenge that Paul gave to Timothy is a good challenge for us as well as we examine our own life and what kind of example we are setting.

                We are to set an example in our speech. Words are powerful. They have the ability to build up or to tear down. Much of the rhetoric today is harsh at best and often abusive. This kind of talk used to be called mudslinging. Today, it is more like dropping bombs on one another. As followers of Christ, our speech should be radically different from the norm. As Paul put it in Colossians 4, Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV))

                We are to set an example in life. One of the complaints that I often hear about the church is that believers don’t live any differently from the rest of the world. We tend to pattern our lives after the current culture instead of after the principles of our faith. I don’t believe we should totally separate ourselves from our culture as some have done. But we should live in such a different way that unbelieving people would take notice. As Peter writes, Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:12 (NIV))

                We are to set an example in love. The word love has become a controversial word today. It is often used as a weapon against anyone who disagrees with a person. To confront someone with a wrong is seem as being unloving. All manner of lifestyle has been justified today by the word love. As followers of Christ, we need to recapture the true meaning of love. Much of what is trumpeted as love today is really selfishness and self-gratifying. The kind of love that we are called to by Christ is the exact opposite. We are called to demonstrate genuine love through living sacrificially. As Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35 (NIV))

                We are to set an example in faith. I don’t think Paul was talking about doctrine at this point. I think he was talking about trusting in God. Too often we live as if everything depends on us. We unintentionally leave God out of the picture. We have to intentionally focus on the reality that we are totally dependent upon God for our very life. Not only can we trust God to lead and guide us, we must. This is not optional for us as followers of Christ.

                We are to set an example in purity. The first impression that we get when we hear the word purity is sexual purity; being morally upright. That is no doubt in the mind of Paul, but I think he would take it farther. The word purity can be related to the word holy. To be holy is to be set apart for God’s service. Throughout the Old Testament the concept of being clean or being pure is hammered home. If we are going to develop in our walk with the Lord, if we are going to draw close to Him, then we need to be pure, holy, and clean. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV))

                Every day of our lives we are setting an example for those around us. The only real question is, what kind of an example are we being? As I read through the list above, I realize how often I fail to live up to this calling. Being an example in all of these areas is something I aspire to, but often fall short of. Rather than beating ourselves up, we need to turn back to Jesus. It is only as we abide in Him that we can truly live out our calling.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)