“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

Timothy was a young follower of Jesus and his mentor was the Apostle Paul, who encouraged him to be an example of Christian leadership in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Let’s briefly consider each of these.

Speech: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Conduct: No matter how you’re treated remember who you represent “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Philippians 1:27a)

Love: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. … Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:8,10)

Faith: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Purity: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity,” (Ephesians 5:3a) and, “let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1b)

If you’re a Christian, people are watching you. They’re watching what you do, what you say, and how you respond to things that are happening to you and around you. The best way to demonstrate Christian leadership is to set a godly example.

Are you leading by example?