Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12, “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” (NKJV). What Paul is saying to Timothy is not to avoid things that will make people despise your youthfulness. But whenever we are young, we are sometimes more prone to do things that are not “in word,” “in conduct,” “in love,” “in spirit,” “in faith,” or “in purity.” Violating these things can make people feel angry or irritated at us and cause us to be a poor example. Instead, Paul goes on to say that we should act in a better way and be conscious of our conduct.
In Word
In word: Let your words be seasoned with salt (Col 4:6). What does salt do? It makes things taste better, and we should do the same in the way we talk and speak, in a way that is uplifting and encouraging, and not breaking down and destroying. “Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you” (Prov 4:24).
In Conduct
In conduct: How you conduct yourself is a very important thing; if you conduct yourself in a poor manner, people will use that against you. Rather, conduct yourself in a way that when they try to make up bad things about you, people will know that it is wrong because of how you typically conduct yourself (Titus 2:7–8). We will mess up, but we should try to conduct ourselves just as Christ did.
In Love
In love: We should be that good example to others in how we love and care for people. “Let all that you do be done with love” (1 Cor 16:14). Show people that you have a love for Christ and for them (John 13:34-35).
In Faith and Spirit
In faith and in spirit: We should express our faith in the way that we act. If you are serious about your faith and continuously show and express your faith to others, it will encourage others to grow their faith. Your faith should be strong enough to be willing to do anything for God (2 Cor 11:23–29). Paul was willing to put his life on the line for Christ. He put his faith and serving Christ above everything else.
In Purity
In purity: We should strive to be pure in our thoughts, our lives, and how we act. Christ said in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world. How are we to be a light if we are doing wrong? Short answer: We can’t.
We need to take this to heart and use these things that Paul is telling Timothy and be an example ourselves, in word, in conduct, in faith, in spirit, in love, and in purity. We will fall and sin, but because of Christ, we can be forgiven and go on to remain faithful. So be that example in other people’s lives, and it will surprise you how much good it will do.
