Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Be Thou An Example


I Timothy 4:12 "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."

Timothy was given instruction to be an example to other believers. He was to be an example to others in how he talked, lived, gave, acted, trusted and existed spiritually.

We too should be examples to others in these same areas. The factor that allows us to be what we should be is determination. We must determine to be an example. Make up your mind that you are going to be an example to others. If you think about it...no matter how you live your life or handle the trials and tribulations you go through...you are being an example. The question is...what kind of example are you being? We are not to be an example that would be of the negative sort but be the type of example that God would have His children to exemplify in their lives to others.

When spiritual storms and circumstances of life cloud the horizon of our hope, we can be examples to others how to live for God in the dark, gloomy days of discouragement. Do I mean you aren't going to break down and weep and cry over those times in your life? No...of course not. But you can always rest assured that God is there to help you through those times in your life. The Lord does not always deliver His children from their problems...but He is faithful to bring us through them to the other side and to victory. An example that is pleasing to God, sings through the storm clouds of doubt and discouragement and is strengthened to help others in the down pours we face. God does things FOR us, not TO us. II Corinthians 1:4 "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

I've been through many difficult storms in the past 12 years of my Christian life. And I'm going through another very dark storm right now. And though things get to the point at times when I think I just can't take anymore...God knows how much I can bear and He never puts on us any more than we can bear. I'm also reminded that no matter what I go through...and no matter how dark things get...the Holy Spirit always reminds me of His promise to me in Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

What kind of example are you being in the midst of your storms?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is a great post. We do need to be examples!

Anonymous said...

Mrs JUlie very good post. SOmetimes are reaction during the storm could lead people to Christ.
Bro Tim

Christopher Cline said...

Very Good Post,
It is good to know that the Lord is by our side to see us though the storms of our lifes.
And that we can be an example to others even in the hard times.

CindyMae said...

First of all, thank you so much for visiting my blog. Thank you for adding me to your links list and I will be doing the same!!!

This is such an awesome post. Sometimes, especially when going through those tough times it is really hard to be a good example to others. Those times are when it is even more important to be that good example for our God. When non believers or those are do not have strong faith look upon us and see that we are so strong even when things are so tough, that is one thing that will get them to thinking!!

Awesome post!
With Love In Christ,
Cindy

Susannah said...

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through dark, stormy times right now. Perhaps the Christmas season has stirred up some old memories that are uncomfortable for you. It's a very common occurrance around this time of year. I pray you allow yourself to feel the pain, then seek Him for comfort. For indeed, He says, "I will never leave thee, nor forake thee." You are beloved in His sight.

Have a blessed weekend Sis. Julie. Merry Christmas my blogging friend! :~)

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