There’s this famous quote that says, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.”
As believers, how we carry ourselves in a world that’s constantly watching us is very important. It is true, we may be the only bible some people read, and we may be the only Jesus some people see. We have to live in a way that represents Christ well.
1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Over the years, many of us have heard this verse used in youth ministry to encourage teenagers to lay aside low expectations and strive instead to be model disciples of Jesus. Today, I want to pose these questions to everyone (old and young): Are you living in a way that represents Christ well? Children of God (old and young), are you setting an example for other believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity?
Are your minds and hearts marked with purity in devotion and affection towards Christ? Are you training your whole self—heart, soul, mind, and strength — to love him more than anything else in this world? Older women, would you want a younger woman to imitate your lifestyle? Older men, would you want a younger man to imitate your lifestyle?
Timothy says, “set the believers an example in speech, conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” How is your speech? Is it edifying? Is it encouraging to the saints? Ephesians 5:4 says, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place…” Use that verse to assess your speech. I pray we will be ones who will not settle for being known by the things we will not say but also by the things we do say.
As Christians, we live to be the hands and feet of Jesus, called to represent Jesus Christ to a world that’s hurting and struggling. We no longer live for ourselves alone, but for the kingdom. People are watching, people have to know that what we preach we walkout.
What kinds of conclusions would people draw about God after watching you closely for a day, week, a month, a year? If we profess Christ and our lives still look very worldly, Christianity will seem like just another vaguely spiritual, bland, and ineffective option among many.
Are you representing Christ well? Think about it!
Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.
Amoy is intent on fulfilling God’s will and purpose for her life. She is a celebrity publicist, a proud Jamaican, a writer, an international speaker, a media practitioner and a published author. She loves all things luxury and is on a mission to become one of the wealthiest women from her island and in the world. 40 under 40, is that you?