Christian Example

Set A Christian Example

Paul admonished Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Everyone sets an example. It is impossible not to. But, what kind of example do we set? Is it good or bad? Is it a Christian example? That is up to us!

The Pharisees, one of the strictest Jewish sects in the first century, were notorious for their bad example. Jesus one time told an audience, to do as they said and not as they did, for they said and did not (Matthew 23:3). Many a parent has failed, not because of poor instruction, but because of a bad example. Many a preacher has destroyed his effectiveness, not by unsound doctrine, but by unsound living, by failure to set a Christian example.

Six specific areas are selected by Paul for emphasis. Christians must set a good example before others in:

• Speech
• Conduct
• Love
• Attitude
• Faith
• Purity

God calls His people to be accountable to a higher standard. We cannot adopt the ways of the world and set a good Christian example at the same time. In fact, we are specifically warned against the dangers of conforming to the world’s standards (Romans 12:2).

There is one perfect example we should seek to imitate. It is the example of Christ. Peter said of Him, he “left us an example that we should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Our goal is to become as much like Him as is humanly possible so that we can say with Paul, “Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). The organization of the church was designed with one purpose in mind, to bring the members of His church “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

Our success or failure in the Christian endeavor is determined, to a great extent, by the way we conform to the example of our Lord. If we are what we ought to be, others will know by our Christian example that we belong to Jesus. And, by a good Christian example they will be brought to Him.

We can have no effectiveness if our example is bad. We must not forget the Bible’s demand to every Christian: “Be thou an example of the believers…”.

Are you setting a good Christian example?