‘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.’ – 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV
Every organisation has a public relations (PR) department which is in charge of managing the perception of others about that organisation, they are concerned with maintaining a positive image of the organisation in other words, a ‘good PR’. In the same vein, there is something called the ‘PR of God’, which describes the perception of others about God and Christianity, and it is up to us as Christians to maintain it.
Paul speaking to Timothy in our anchor scripture asks him to be a worthy example in conduct amidst other things and this call is to you as a believer as well. The Bible refers to you as an Ambassador of Christ, this implies that you represent Christ to the world around you and you should be conscious of this (2 Corinthians 5:20).
How you conduct yourself as a believer matters as it can significantly impact other believers’ growth and the perception of the world about God. It is sad that the reason why some people have not received the Gospel is because of the conduct of some believers. While there is ultimately no tenable reason for anyone to deny the Gospel, you must be conscious of the influence you yield as a believer.
In addition, you show other believers the practical possibilities in Christ as you grow in your conduct, shedding behavior and acts that are not Christ-like and imbibing those of Christ, thus encouraging them to grow as well.
One way you can be an example in conduct is by being excellent at everything you do. You serve a God of excellence and oftentimes your excellence can be an inroad for people to enquire about God like we see in the life of Daniel and his friends (Daniel 2:46-49, 6:3-5). Let the works of your hand be an avenue for God to receive glory (Matthew 5:16).
The good news is you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. As a believer, you have the Holy Spirit in you who works in you to do God’s will (Philippians 2:13). This is not just a verse but should be the practical reality of your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to shape your reactions, dressing, words, social media activities and every area of your life. Yield to His promptings to give, apologize, speak or keep silent. Walk daily in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
In addition, renew your mind with God’s word and prayer (Romans 12:2). As you grow in the things of God, your default response to even untoward situations would be Christ-like, full of love and forgiveness.
Dear believer, be an example in your conduct. Let others see Jesus in you.
Bible Reading Plan: 2 Chronicles 10-12