Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:12 NASB

Have you ever wondered, as a young person specifically, how God wants you to live your life? If you haven’t I am honestly surprised. That question should be one asked by us young people and the answer is found in the above passage. Paul wrote the letter of first Timothy to one of the young pastors he mentored, Timothy. Because of this there is so much we can glean from the book. I like to focus on this verse though because it is more or less a summary. I even made it the theme verse for We are Young Theologians!

1 Timothy 4:12 focuses on setting an example for other believers even though you are young. This is such a great reminder to us in the younger generations but also to those older than us. We need to set an example but those older also need to notice when we are doing that. So how are we to specifically set an example?

With our speech: The words that come out of our mouths can be such a turning point with how people see us. The Bible addresses this often when it speaks of the tongue and give loads of warnings about it. Our speech needs to reflect our relationship with Christ. It should be wholesome and uplift those around us. We definitely should not be the ones cussing or gossiping about others.

With our conduct: Conduct is mainly talking about how we interact with others. Our interactions should again be uplifting to those around us. We should be careful to make sure our actions shine the light of Christ. This builds greatly upon our speech.

With our love: Even when others are unkind to us we need to show love. Brotherly love to those we interact with is key to being a good example. Treating others with respect is included in this.

With our faith: Our ultimate faith in Christ is the biggest light we can shine to people. We need to live out what we speak. We need to be someone that others can look at and want to mimic spiritually.

With our purity: This part of the verse is not just talking about sexual purity. It is also focusing on purity of mind. We need to keep our mind and bodies pure so that they honor God consistently. People will see Christ when you refuse to listen to music with cussing, watch movies with explicit sex, or read books with questionable elements. Make sure that what you are putting into your mind is stuff that honors God.

Just because you’re young and immature doesn’t mean you have to act young and immature — Jarrid Wilson

If you have never accepted Christ’s free gift of salvation please read the information on the page How to Become a Believer. Afterwards go talk with a trusted friend, pastor, parent, or other Christian about what it means to be a child of God.