Example-ing:
“train yourself in godliness… it holds promise for the present life and also the one to come…” – 1 Timothy 4:7,8, CSB
“Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers… Don’t neglect the gift that is in you… Practice… so that your progress may be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.” – 1 Timothy 4:12-16, CSB
This applies to you
“Train yourself. Set an example. Practice. Progress. Pay close attention. Persevere. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you.” Paul’s words to Timothy are just as instructive for us today. We aren’t Paul, and we aren’t Timothy. Our gifts may be different. Our strengths, weaknesses, and calling in God will not be identical with either of them. But what’s so great is that none of these instructions have to do with specific talent or a specific gift. They apply to all of us, however we’ve been designed and wired!
Diligence is a great defense
Like Timothy, you may be ‘young’ but let your diligence be your defense. You’re learning, growing, training, progressing, and… you also don’t know everything! There’s no benefit in being defensive or in making excuses. Put their criticism to rest through your willingness to learn and apply God’s word to your own life, not just teaching idealisms. Yes, teach when you have the opportunity! Just be sure you’re training yourself according to the gospel, and that you’re teaching through your example, that your leadership is leading from the front.
They aren’t following your perfection!
Your life is your best leadership. It’s not perfection that people follow, but rather leaders who are progressing in a clear direction, communicating it well, and pointing people forward in Christ. And when you fall short? Let them see you repent. Inspire them in the way you follow Jesus. That’s what they really need – to see how to follow Him through the life of someone in front of them who is doing it.
Think:
Do you view your age as an asset or a liability? How about your age as a follower of Jesus? Paul’s instruction, no matter your age is to set an example to others and to keep training. What example do you think your life is setting currently?
To set an example, our example must be visible to others. The implication is that we are rubbing shoulders regularly with one another. So how can others observe you practicing your faith? How can others observe progress over time in your own discipleship?
Are you regularly practicing and progressing in whatever spiritual gifts God has given you? What gifts would you like to develop?
Who knows you well enough to have seen your progress and struggles as you grow in Christ? Ask them what positive changes they have observed in you over time, and what progress they are seeing in you currently.
Prayer:
“Father, I want to keep growing faithfully I all that You have called me to be and to do. I pray that my example to others would be helpful, and that my life would be progressively more and more like Jesus. Rather than becoming defensive when others challenge me, let my actions and obedient faith be my strongest defense. Help me to grow in teachability as well as in my ability to teach!”