Setting a Godly Example

I've just recovered recently from the cold flu symptoms of fever, chills, and cold sweat. By the grace of God, however, I am once again sitting down and typing up a devotional blog post. This morning, I read from 1 Timothy 4 (1 and 2 Timothy are two of my personal favorites books in the Bible since Timothy is my middle name) and again I am struck with both the joy and responsibility of being a minister of the Gospel.

1 Timothy 4:6-16 says, “6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

To set a godly example, one must first train to be godly. I know what this means. In high school, I trained six days a week for 3+ hours each day for tennis. I was determined to be fit, play hard, and train even harder. Physical training included running, conditioning, and building endurance. Paul tells Timothy that physical training does have some value, but spiritual training (godliness) has sooooo much more value. Godliness holds value not just in present life but also for eternal life.

I hope we can take this heart so that we can set a godly example to others. Can I encourage you this morning to set an example in one of the following today: 1) In speech: say something kind or encouraging to someone today or 2) In life: do something kind or encouraging, maybe give a gift to your friend or a neighbor or 3) In love: tell someone that you care for them and are praying for them today or 4) In purity: commit yourself to obeying God and confessing anything that you may be putting above God.

If you are really bold, maybe you can try practicing all four of those things this week. For Paul reminds us, that if we persevere in godliness we will save both ourselves and those who we come in contact with.