Character Count!

 

1 Timothy 4:12  (ESV)

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

In speech
What kind of words generally comes out of your mouth daily?
Do they build others up or tear them down?
Do they encourage others or cast a generally negative light on things?
Are they marked with gratitude because of all Christ has done for you or do you grumble?
May the words of our mouth be pleasing and acceptable to God (Psalm 19:14)

In conduct
Not just on what you say, but how you live.
The way you live and how other people see and know you.
What do your actions say about your faith?
Does your mouth profess a vibrant faith, but your life deny it?
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Ephesians 2:10

In love
We are not only called to set an example in speech & conduct, but doing so lovingly!
Are your words & actions saturated in love?
Are you doing the right things but without love?
Do your words & actions show a love for God & neighbor? Are you increasingly growing in love?
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 warns us against loveless deeds!

In faith
Does your life exhibit this faith in Christ?
Is your life marked by faith & confidence in God or by faith & confidence in self?
Where does your life show you put your faith in?
We are called to live lives of faith in God, believing that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him Hebrews 11:6

In purity
This purity can only be achieved through the blood of Jesus purifying us and the Holy Spirit working in us, empowering us to conquer these impure fleshly impulses within.
Purity of heart is to will one thing: God Himself.
Are you growing in purity?
Is a vision for God alone increasingly governing your life, or are you increasingly divided & splintered?
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength where you are weak. These are prayers He loves to answer!

Application

Match what you SAY and DO with what you BELIEVED  and PROFESS about your RELATIONSHIP with JESUS!

Our life needs to match what we say we believe.  Paul is telling Timothy that life is a matter of Godly character.

Isaiah 7:9b NIV“If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.”