Dear Young Christian:
“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).
In this verse the word “conversation” doesn’t mean speech. It’s a word that was used when the Bible was translated into English to mean the way you live, or your whole manner of life. So let’s rephrase our verse: Be an example of the believers in the way you live…in your whole manner of life. Other people should be able to read your life like a book. And what they should read is: I am a Christian — my life is Christlike.
What has the world read of your life in the past, and what will they read this week? If what they have read in the past hasn’t been a very good story, confess it to the Lord and start a new chapter. We have Christ as the perfect example, let’s follow Him so that our life will be an example as well, and that others may see Christ is us.
Your Christian Friend,
Jim Hyland
We would love to hear from you. Send your comments or questions to jhyland@primus.ca