Recent research has revealed what teenagers truly desire from the adults in their lives. The Search Institute study found that teens want parents and other older influencers to do the following: 1. Look at us. 2. Spend time talking with us. 3. Listen. 4. Be dependable. 5. Show appreciation for what we do. 6. Relax. 7. Show that you’re interested. 8. Laugh with us (and at yourself). 9. Ask us to help you. 10. Challenge us.
I believe the apostle Paul did many of those things as he built into the life of a young man named Timothy. And, as number 10 on the list states, he truly did challenge him, writing, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). What’s impressive is that Timothy was dealing with the difficult challenge of tackling false teaching in the church at Ephesus, along with some bitter persecution. Yet Paul told him to boldly live out his faith—to be an example. And Timothy needed to look no further than the great example provided by Paul himself (Philippians 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:10-11).
If we want those who are younger to walk confidently in their faith, we must provide for them a living model. We need to show them the “living God, who is the Savior of all people” and “keep a close watch on how [we] live” (1 Timothy 4:10,16). As they witness Jesus alive in us, it will help them take their own bold faith steps.
Let younger believers know that they can be an example to all believers. And, as you do, “stay true to what is right for the sake of [your] own salvation and the salvation” of these precious younger ones (1 Timothy 4:16).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 14:1-23
More:
Read what Paul wrote to a friend in Titus 2:7 and consider how you can be an example to other believers—particularly younger ones.
Next:
Today, how will you encourage some younger believers you know? What example have you been setting for other believers in Jesus?
Wayne on March 25, 2014 at 6:16 am
Give our children our time and grand children,
Nobody has time anymore, take the time they need
It. If you do that you’ll be surprised ! Love, Wayne
Tom Felten on March 25, 2014 at 8:12 am
Thanks, Wayne. The things we do with our time are truly a choice, huh? Yes, may we spend a good portion of it on building into the next generations.
Gene on March 25, 2014 at 7:26 am
This is a timely subject, Tom, as I’m meeting with a group of young people later this evening. This is a coed Boy Scout Venture Crew with kids from different backgrounds. The Timothy and Titus references apply and I always pray God would use me to minister in their lives. I learn a lot from them too and my favorite times are having devotionals out on the trail. The challenge is not just setting a good example and doing the things in the survey, but to produce leaders among the youth who can in turn lead others (2 Timothy 2:2).
Tom Felten on March 25, 2014 at 8:14 am
Hope your scouting ventures go well, Gene. May God bless the time you and other godly leaders pour into these young people. And, yes, the goal is for these ones you’ve mentored to lead others as Jesus would—as humble, servant leaders.
loananna on March 25, 2014 at 10:12 am
Your writing today, made me realize that by having my grandchildren each weekend and taking them to church…I am doing the Lords work, sometimes I don’t think I contribute much but my eldest granddaughter 8 yrs, sits in service with us and I have her take her Bible and she always ask questions about the Pastors teaching..my youngest are with me as well. Our Pastor believes children of all age should attend the services and be taught to respect and learn how we worship..He encourages family studies during the week, I don’t have that luxury but I do have them on the weekends..Thank you for opening my eyes to this reading..
Tom Felten on March 25, 2014 at 11:36 am
Thanks for what you’re doing for the next generations, loananna!
jessie1 on March 25, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Yes Tom, what is said about being an example to our children, and youth in general is important. But I have a perplexing problem. I have two children. They are only two years apart in age. My spouse and I both tried to be examples to them throughout their formative years. We displayed Christian values to them and made sure we attended church regularly. My children are now in their twenties. One child became a Christian of their own choosing when they became an adult. My other child opted to shun religion and is presently an atheist. I am not looking for any answers here, because it is too complicated an issue to address in this forum. I just wanted to let people out there know that if their situation is similar to mine, they are not alone. My spouse and I continue to pray about this issue. Hopefully some day my non- believing child will see that they have walked down the wrong path and change. God Bless, Jessie
Tom Felten on March 25, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Praying for you and your family, jessie1. It sounds like you and your spouse have been wonderful examples to your child who is not walking with God. May this child turn to God soon and experience the fulness of a loving relationship with Him!
BearPair on March 26, 2014 at 5:28 am
Excellent Tom! Bottom line: We need to “walk the talk” as we indeed model Christ… and ENCOURAGE them to be all God can accomplish in them, again by doing that in OUR lives. Thanks Tom!
Winn Collier on March 30, 2014 at 8:10 pm
for some reason the two words from the Scripture (“living God”) keep returning to me. I’m curious why…