“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.” I Timothy 4:12
This admonition was written to a young man, Timothy, but I believe that we all can take heed to the guidelines that Paul gave to him for living a life that pleased the Lord. Whether you are a young woman, a mother, or a grandmother, these are qualities that we should apply to our lives.
Timothy had a godly mother and grandmother, who had instructed him in the scriptures and Paul saw in him the potential for a successful disciple. As he wrote these two letters to him, he laid down principles for him to follow. He recognized that in answer to prayer, Timothy had received great gifts, which he needed to give heed to and continually stir up. Paul saw that he was enthusiastic and devoted, but often showed signs of timidity. He saw Timothy as his spiritual son and so wrote these letters to encourage him.
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” II Timothy 1:5-6
When the Lord heard our cry of repentance, and forgave our sins, we became his child. He has endowed each one of us with gifts and abilities. We are not all called to become preachers, but we are all called to be witnesses. The way we live from day to day matters. Our behaviour and example will either give others a desire to know Jesus or turn them away.
For the next few days, let us consider the words in I Timothy 4:12 and how we can apply each one to our lives as faithful women of the Lord.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your great gift of salvation and for the abilities and gifts that you have given each one of us. May we grow in faith and love each day.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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