READING: 1 Timothy 3:1-6:10
Scholars debate how old Timothy was when Paul wrote 1 Timothy to him, but we do know he was still young enough that others still saw him as young—perhaps even too young to lead. His mentor, Paul, recognized the issue and encouraged Timothy to counter those perceptions by being an example in his:
- Speech. He was to speak only in ways that which honored God.
- Conduct. He was to live in such a way that others might say, “He acts older than he is.”
- Love. He was to give himself to others, not turn inward like other young people sometimes do.
- Faith. He was to know and live out the promises of God in obedience.
- Purity. Unlike other young men, he was to choose godliness over temporary pleasure.
The bottom line was that Timothy’s life and his teachings mattered (1 Tim 4:16). That remains true for us, too, no matter how old we are. Today, evaluate your life in light of the five areas listed above.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What do you learn about yourself by your evaluation?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, let my conduct and my words honor You today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Timothy 6:11-21, Titus 1:1-3:15, 2 Timothy 1:1-18