Moment of Meditation: Set an Example (1 Timothy 4:12)

Set an example for the believers
in speech, in life, in love,
in faith and in purity.
(1 Timothy 4:12)

Set an Example

Paul reminds Timothy that as a pastor he is an example to his congregation and to the community around him. This is one of the crosses that every pastor must bear. The example to everyone no matter whether the person is a member of the congregation or not. And it's not just the idea that the pastor should be a living Bible.

Not just speech and life. But an example in love, faith and purity. Every aspect of life becomes an example to others. And not just pastors. Each Christian is a living Bible for their neighbor. That's what Jesus points out when He says, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and iwth all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40). Amen.