“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given to you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things; immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.”This passage is a goldmine for understanding what it means to live a life that truly glorifies God and impacts those around us.
Scripture Supporting the Call to Exemplary Living
The Bible is replete with calls for believers to live lives that stand out and bear witness to God’s glory. Here are a few examples:
- “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, ESV). Jesus himself commands us to live in such a way that our good deeds point others to God. Our exemplary lives are not for our own praise, but for His.
- “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). We are saved for a purpose – to do good works that God has ordained for us. These works are a natural outflow of our new life in Christ and serve as a powerful witness.
- “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). Our lives should be so distinct that they provoke questions from non-believers, giving us an opportunity to share the hope we have in Christ. Our conduct prepares the way for our verbal testimony.
- “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8, ESV). Paul reiterates this theme to Titus, emphasizing that exemplary living silences critics and validates our message.
These verses underscore that living an exemplary life is not an optional extra for Christians; it’s fundamental to our calling and our witness.
How Can Christians “Set an Example” Today in Their Everyday Lives?
Living as an example isn’t about being perfect; it’s about consistently striving to honor God in all we do, allowing His Spirit to work through us. Here’s how we can apply this in our daily lives:
- Be Intentional About Your Words: In a world filled with negativity, gossip, and harsh language, choose words that build up, encourage, and reflect grace. Think before you speak, asking if your words would honor Christ.
- Practice Integrity in All Areas: Whether at work, school, or home, let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Be honest in your dealings, reliable in your commitments, and ethical in your choices, even when no one is watching.
- Demonstrate Practical Love: Look for opportunities to serve others, show kindness, forgive, and extend grace. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor, listening patiently to a friend, or showing compassion to a stranger.
- Live Out Your Faith Authentically: Don’t compartmentalize your faith. Let your belief in God influence your decisions, your priorities, and your response to challenges. Trust Him in difficult times and give Him glory in good times.
- Pursue Purity in a Digital Age: In an era of pervasive digital content, be diligent about what you consume and engage with online. Guard your mind and heart from anything that compromises your spiritual and moral purity. This also extends to your relationships and motivations.
- Commit to Spiritual Growth: As Paul urged Timothy to devote himself to Scripture, teaching, and not neglecting his gift, we too must prioritize our spiritual development. Regularly engage with God’s Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Our internal growth fuels our external example.
- Be Accountable: Invite trusted Christian friends or mentors to speak into your life, offer constructive feedback, and hold you accountable to living out your faith consistently.
Paul’s words to Timothy are a powerful reminder that every one of us, regardless of age or experience, has the potential and the responsibility to be a living, breathing testament to the power and grace of Jesus Christ. Our lives are observed, and they carry a message.
An Invitation to Live a Life of Purpose
Living as an example for Christ is a profound calling, but it begins with a personal relationship with Him. Jesus Christ is the example, and through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, He offers us forgiveness, new life, and the power to live in a way that honors God.
If you haven’t yet put your trust in Jesus, we invite you to consider the incredible transformation He offers. He desires for you to know Him, to follow Him, and to experience the joy of living a life with eternal purpose. If you’re curious to learn more about starting a relationship with Jesus or how to grow in your faith, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be delighted to connect with you and share the life-changing truth of the Gospel.
Baker Heights Member