“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” – 1 Timothy 4:12-16

Today, I wanted to start this blog with the Word of God. This particular passage in the Bible really resonated with me today. In two weeks, I will have been writing for this blog for a year. It has been a blessing to be able to not only share my story with you all but more importantly, to share the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, there were times where I did not feel worthy enough to write. I gave my life to Jesus a long time ago, but it wasn’t until recent years that I really started looking for Him.

If you were to ask me if I was a great example to follow, I wouldn’t be able to tell you that I am. I am flawed. I am young. I am inexperienced. My knowledge of the Bible is limited because I have yet to read it all. How then can I say that I am a great example to follow? I am not. However, I know someone who is the perfect example to follow…Jesus.

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

You may be wondering what this has to do with 1 Timothy 4:12-16. In these verses, they tell us to be examples to others. How do we do that? By studying the Word of God, by rightful actions, by speaking to others of His word, by praying, by loving your neighbor, and by keeping your faith in God at ALL times. Each of us has a gift that was given to us so that we may use it for His purpose. If you read the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you see that Jesus did all those things. Jesus set the ultimate example of how to live. We become examples of who He is by living our lives like Him.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

It is easy to feel inadequate when trying to follow in Jesus’ footsteps because He is perfect, while we are flawed. However, it is the devil who is telling you that you will never be good enough. Satan wants you as far away from God as possible. However, Jesus gave His life for you so that you may be good enough. He washed away your sins and made you a new person. He calls you worthy not because of what we have done, but because of what He did for us. We honor Him by following His word and by letting Him work through us.

I am not the best example to follow. I am flawed. I am young. I am inexperienced. However, above all of that, I am saved. I am redeemed. I am loved by Jesus Himself. I am a child of God. It is because of what Jesus did for me that I am here today. Jesus is the source of that light that shines in us. By growing closer and closer to Him, that light shines brighter. Let your light shine bright so that others may see His glory.

“Then Jesus spoke to them again saying ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” – John 8:12