Setting an Example

I Timothy 4:12

In chapter one, Paul described what Timothy was to do in the church. Chapter two described the faith Christians ought to have. Chapter three prescribes the qualifications for church leaders. Chapter four warns about false doctrine and the danger of becoming focused on worldly affairs rather than spiritual matters. As a young pastor, it will be Timothy’s duty to equip the church so they do not follow false teachers or begin to neglect spiritual matters for worldly affairs. Paul gives some specific instruction as to what will be required to accomplish the purpose.

“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.” (I Timothy 4:12)

Older people often find it difficult to respect a young person because so often the young are so immature in their thinking and actions. While younger Christians may be attracted by that immaturity, they also lose respect, as they see no significant difference in the level of experience. Churches often put very young leaders in the youth ministry. It often produces numerical growth, as long as there is plenty of entertainment, but the majority of the department falls by the wayside when they begin to mature themselves. Immaturity hampers the ministry.

I Corinthians 13:11 describes the growth process. “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Children speak in a childish manner, focusing on details that are exciting, rather than those that are more important, they often have very incomplete understanding of what is said or how things work, as the little boy who thought the song was “Bringing In The Sheets.” They also tend to be easily distracted from doing what is important by things that seem more exciting or fun at the moment.

A more mature person is less easily distracted and focuses on different matters. As a result he accomplishes more permanent things, but is less involved in the things that others think of as fun. He is somewhat less exciting, but has more to offer. As leader who is only interested in sports has little of real value to offer those who are making decisions about careers, and nothing for those who are struggling to support a family except what others have described.

To lead, one must go in front. One cannot lead from behind. One needs to set the example. The leader must first set an example in his speech, both by what he talks about, and how he talks about it. As Matthew 15:18 says, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” The speech shows what is in the heart.

The actions also demonstrate what is in the heart according to verse 19. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” Galatians 5:19-21 warn that those live this way are not going to heaven. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” The leader must set an example in his lifestyle.

The leader must set an example in Charity or love. I Corinthians 13:4-7 describes the love that is required. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” This is the kind of love Christians are to have toward each other. The leader must demonstrate it for others to learn how.

The leader must also demonstrate a proper spirit or attitude. The same attitude that is required to qualify as pastor must be modeled before the followers so they can develop a similar spirit. Likewise, the leader must be an example of faith so his followers can learn to trust. Often people are asked to trust God and commit to give to a project by faith, so the church can plan their giving. The leaders then discount the pledges by a certain percentage because they don’t trust God themselves. The same is true of a pastor or missionary who does not tithe but asks his people to.

Finally, the leader must set an example of purity. His treatment of his wife, children and church members demonstrates the attitude other Christians may follow. A pastor who makes inappropriate comments, whether sexual or degrading, flirts, abuses, or otherwise behaves in an inappropriate manner is setting an example that may result in sin by the Christians who observe it. There is tremendous responsibility.