READING: Jeremiah 10-13, 1 Timothy 4
Often, younger pastors have to work hard to gain the respect of older congregations. I was 20 years old when I started pastoring. I was the youngest full-time pastor in our region, and I will be forever grateful to the little church that trusted me to guide them at some level. At the same time, I had SO much room for growth! I needed someone to help guide me in those days.
Timothy, who had been on Paul’s team and was likely in his 30s at the time he received Paul’s letter, still had to convince older folks of his maturity. To help him get there, Paul encouraged Timothy to give evidence of his growth in five areas: his speech (the words he uses and the way he talks), his conduct (the way he chooses to live), his love (his willingness to show Christ’s sacrificial love to others), his faith (his trust in God with all his life), and his purity (sexual purity and integrity). The way he lived would convince others that his youthfulness was not a problem.
Now at 60 years old, I think the words to Timothy are still applicable in my life. I may not need to overcome youthfulness any longer, but I still must strive to be faithful to God. If I can show God’s transforming power in these five areas of my life – speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity – I trust God will be honored.
PRAYER: “God, grant me grace to show your power in all these areas—and in any other needed area.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Evaluate your own life in these five areas, too.
TOMORROW’S READING: Jeremiah 14-17, 1 Timothy 5-6