“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
It’s true that there are a lot of opportunities to ‘follow the crowd’ at uni and, to use some Christianese, be ‘led astray’. But it’s not all one-way traffic: you can be a leader as well as a follower. And when it comes to living out your faith you can go against the norm and set an example for those around you, whether they’re seasoned Christians or hardened atheists. There’s no age restriction on living radically for God, look at Timothy – he was probably only in his ‘teens when Paul wrote that above verse to him! So don’t think you can’t stand up and be different, even within your church, just because you’re young – in fact God expects you to be challenging more ‘established people with your enthusiasm and desire to pursue him. If you know God has a certain standard for something go ahead and live it, regardless of what else is going on, and just watch as everyone starts coming with you!
What a challenge, huh? Not only are we to have a full relationship with God and full participation in the church, but we also have the authority to set a radical example – we are God’s representatives! That means our task is to make sure we give those people around us the best possible help in getting to know Jesus. You might be the only Christian some people know. Are you happy with the messages you’re giving to them about your faith? Let’s think about the areas Paul specified in the verse above:
• Speech: What are we saying about ourselves; about others? How does it reflect on us?
• Life: Who are we living for? Does it show in our day-to-day choices?
• Love: Jesus loved us enough to die for us, and he tells us to go and do likewise.
• Faith: Where is your security? Trust in God and stand on His promises rather than on earthly things.
• Purity: What are we allowing into our lives? Are our attitudes and actions in relationships healthy?
Every day, every one of us has a choice: conform or transform. We can do it the world’s way and follow our cultural norms, or we can do it God’s way and let him completely transform us bit-by-bit. Not only will our thought-patterns and actions change, but so also will we see transformation in those who come into contact with us.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
