Be an Example
Just recently in our teen Bible Study, we have started a series entitled "Do Hard Things." It is based on the book by the same title authored by Alex and Brett Harris, younger twin brothers of Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye). We were discussing the words that Paul wrote to Timothy found in 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul urged Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Certainly society has despised youth today. I suppose we can't be too upset at that, given the current lifestyle of many teenagers today. When asked to list characteristics of today's teenager, far more negative comments were listed than positive ones. As a result of this image, society has placed some very low expectations on this age group. They feel as though teenagers are incapable of carrying out normal adult responsibilities. "Let no man despise thy youth." These words from Paul were to remind Timothy that he should give no one an occasion to despise his youth. He had a responsibility as a young pastor to live his life as an example to the believers. Paul gave Timothy the following categories that certainly apply to us today. We can be an example... IN WORD - Do we use our words to edify (build up) or tear down. Do we participate in gossip? Do we take God's name in vain? IN CONVERSATION - This is also translated as conduct. How do we carry ourselves? Do we do things that would give someone an occasion to despise us? IN CHARITY or LOVE - This is an action! We must have compassion for those around us and act on that compassion. IN SPIRIT - If we truly want to be an example, we must obey the Spirit's leading in our lives. IN FAITH - Want to be an example? You must have faith in God first! He will help you to rise above the low expectations of society. IN PURITY - Purity is not popular, but necessary to be an obedient example for God! Give no one an occasion to despise you because you're young. BE AN EXAMPLE FOR GOD! 1 Peter 2:21 - "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" We pray that God will make the necessary changes in your life to be an example to those around you! For Him, The Philster
Desire is Not Enough
Proverbs 13:4 – The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Many times you’ll hear people say that if you really want something, you can have it. However, this verse teaches us that desire is not enough. A definition for the word sluggard is “a lazy person,” so this verse may well be paraphrased, “The lazy person desires, but he still doesn’t have anything.” Just wanting it doesn’t get the job done. The verse goes on to tell us that the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Now, when we see the word “fat,” we automatically think of things that we don’t want for our lives; however, this verse speaks of a diligent person being overrun with blessings (a fat soul). Sounds like a good thing, right? In other words, the diligent person not only desires something, but does what is necessary to acquire it. God rewards this diligence with an abundance of blessings. Today we are looking at a generation of teenagers who desire many of the things of this life – cars, motorcycles, money, fancy houses, nice jobs, popularity – but they don’t really want to work for it. So remember, the lazy person desires something, but he never gets it – he has nothing. Do you want to be fat? In the soul, that is! Diligence is the key. Desire good things, be willing to work for what you want, and watch as God honors your hard work with an abundance of blessings. Matthew Henry notes in his commentary of Proverbs that “this is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are; whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the pleasure and profit of it.” Be diligent in the service of God! Article contributed by Ardy Parlin
