Noble Character
As we draw near Father’s Day we always reminisce about those times with our Dad’s. Personally, I think we should think about them daily and not just once per year. We should use this daily thought toward our Heavenly Father as well.
As I have now become a father I see life so differently than before, the little habits my son picks up from me, how he wants to wear equivalent items and be like dad! These moments not only take my breath away, but trigger in me how much I am like my dad, and memories of how much I wanted to be like him right down to the work boots at age 6.
This reflection of image brings about the importance of character in us as men, the importance of character in us as we raise our children. When we look to the Bible and one who modeled his life based upon his teacher we look at Timothy. Timothy was wise beyond his years, and a man of character.
Timothy was an example in six areas of his life, word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity. These elements are not just for youth, but should be practiced by us all. We must be the example for the next generation. Over the next six days, we will look at each of the characteristics that made Timothy a noble man. If you know a noble man in your life, someone who was a profound influence, would you please share your story in the comments below.
WORD
As we look at Paul’s command “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 NIV) We focus on our words today, and how we speak.
Lead by example, words are powerful tools, used correctly they can inspire and move millions to action. However, as powerful as they can build, they can just as easily destroy! “The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21 NIV) Our words wield power, good and bad, its vital we chose them wisely, especially as we are influencing our children, spouses, and others.
One story comes to mind as I observed a father and son at a local restaurant one Saturday morning. I thought now that is an awesome way to start the weekend, maybe it’s a father son adventure. That quickly changed when I heard the boy, age 9 roughly, ask what they were going to do that day? The father replied, “well if I didn’t have to drag your sorry a$$ around all day, I could do lots of things.” My heart sunk, I felt as if I were kicked in the gut! I could not imagine what that little boy may have felt. What could possibly be going through his mind? When I thought it couldn’t get much worse, it did as the father began cursing about other family members, the boy’s mother and then the grandfather arrived. More shouting and name calling followed. All I could do was ask them to tone it down and smiled at the boy and let him know he was loved. I pray for that boy daily, that he can break the cycle to be a better man than the examples he is surrounded by.
Words, they are powerful! Timothy held a very prestigious position for his youthful age. I’m guessing he spoke rather eloquently and carried himself well, some would say wise beyond his years. Yet, there were naysayers who would question his leadership based upon his age yet his leadership was defined by his actions. Let your words and actions build others up, as Paul instructs Timothy “be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see you progress.” (1 Timothy 4:15 NIV)
My challenge for you today is to be diligent in your words. Is there something you can change today and let others see you progress tomorrow?
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