Melissa wanted to be a school teacher from her earliest memories. So, it was a dream come true when she enrolled in college and began to prepare for a life of teaching. She wanted to be the best teacher any pupil ever had.
She decided to write Thomas Carlyle, a world-famous historian, and ask his advice. She wrote, “Tell me, sir, what is the secret of successful teaching?”
His reply was simple, “Be what you would have your pupils to be. All else is unblessed mockery!”
What a reminder for Christians. Though our words are important, our life – the way we act - is a much stronger lesson about who Christ is and what He can do. Our lives are often much more potent than anything we can ever say. Said Paul to Timothy, “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
Timothy was a young pastor and under much scrutiny. Paul knew the pressure that he faced and wanted him to be an example to his church in everything that he said or did. Wisely, Paul advised him that only those disciples who lived lives imitating the life of Jesus would be worthy examples and effective teachers of the Good News.
And, if we read Paul’s words carefully, we will notice that every aspect of our lives is listed: speech, behavior, love, faith, as well as pure thinking, and living.
Prayer: We often forget, Lord, that we are always Your model for the world to see. May our faith be strong, our thoughts pure, and our lives modeled after Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
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