“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.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
This Scripture encourages young believers to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. But regardless of one’s age, we must never let people look down on us. Instead, we must live to set an example that others may see Christ in us. Just like how Timothy lived his life as a young pastor. Old or young, God can use us as His instrument of grace.
For young followers of Christ, start by living your life in a way that makes older people wonder Who is inside you. You have to set an example to be more effective in influencing others. It doesn’t matter if you are younger than them. What’s important is Who you are representing.
Pray to be an example in speech
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
A follower of Christ speaks words that will encourage and bring life to others. He refrains from badmouthing and gossiping. He does not tell lies to please listeners and is always truthful in words. He is gentle in how he speaks, patiently listens to others, and respects their opinions. To be an example in speech for young believers, they must not answer back to their parents.
Lord Jesus, thank You that I can be a good example in speech. Forgive me for the times I am not gentle and truthful with my words. I pray to be more like You in how You speak and listen. Please help me not to badmouth people, not to tell lies and gossip. I pray to be an example in speech so I can better represent You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to be an example in conduct
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,” 1 Peter 1:15
While God is loving, He is also holy. We must keep ourselves away from sin to be holy. We must be totally devoted to Him and completely set apart from sin. Because the way we act and react reflects our moral values as Christian. We have to learn how to value others above ourselves. If people cannot see this in our lives, we represent Him wrong.
Almighty God, thank You because You are good and just. I pray to be holy in my conduct. I know that I cannot be righteous on my own, so please fill me with Your Spirit as I live a life that honors You. Allow me to put the interest of others first before mine. Help me lay my life for them just as how Jesus did. I pray that I may imitate Christ by following His high moral standards. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to be an example in love
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Love is one of the evidence of a transformed life in Christ. Yet, one of the most difficult to live by. For a follower of Christ to be an example in love, he must be compassionate and forgiving. He must also be a source of encouragement and grace. Most especially, he must have a growing love for God and others all the days of his life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love for me. I pray to be more like Jesus in terms of loving difficult people. Help me be compassionate and forgiving, that I will always find it in my heart to show grace to others. I pray that I will love You best to love others better. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to be an example in faith
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 6:13
True believers stand firm in their faith in times of difficulty and hopelessness. They never compromise the truth for the sake of instant gratification. Instead, he is faithful to wait for God’s answers regardless of whether it will take longer than it seems. To be an example in faith, one must be patient in how God works in and through our lives.
Lord, I pray to stand firm in my faith. I pray to choose what glorifies You amid all my uncertainties. Help me to rely on Your strength and not on my own. Please allow me to find peace in Your words and Your love. I pray not to compromise my faith amid tribulations. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray to be an example of purity
“Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,” Titus 2:12
Being an example of purity requires us to say no to what is ungodly; it requires us to live self-controlled and not desire worldly passions. We can be able to live uprightly because of God’s grace. It will teach us to live according to His purpose.
God, thank You for Your grace that saves me and helps me live abundantly. I pray to be pure in my words and deed, that I may keep myself away from any temptations in the world. I confess every sin that caused my purity to be neglected. Cleanse me, Father, that I may live righteously. In Jesus’ name, amen.
republished from https://clifeprayer.com/set-an-example-for-the-believers/