Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“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

Timothy is unique among New Testament MODELS of IMPACT from YOUTH: “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 Tim.4:12). He is a powerful example of a young man who made positive impact for Christ. Paul, his mentor, recognized his potential and entrusted him with important leadership roles, even in challenging situations like the Church in Ephesus, including false teachers, and theological frictions. Paul urged Timothy not to let anyone look down on his youth, but to be exemplary in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Timothy was privileged with a righteous foundation, which he built upon. The son of a Jewish woman who believed the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a Greek father, righteousness ran through his family. Both Lois his grandmother and Eunice his mother were believers who gave much attention to training him in the way of the Lord: “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2Tim.1:5). Lois and Eunice are models of the powerful impact a mother or grandmother can have on the life of a youth.

Paul recognized the life-changing contributions of these two women in a day when women were rarely named. 2 Timothy 3: 14-15 references Timothy’s godly upbringing: “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Paul honoured their impact in preparing his young protégé, who later joined him in his travels (Rom.16:21), and eventually became pastor of the Church at Ephesus (1 Tim.1:3).

Timothy was well reported of by the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium. They then recommended him to Paul because they saw that he was fit to go out with him for ministry (Acts 16: 1-5). Paul mentored Timothy, guiding and encouraging him to stand firm in the face of challenges and false teachings. Our various models of Impact indicate that spiritual maturity and leadership effectiveness are not solely determined by age. Youths can be used by God to make a real difference and catalyse lasting Impact. Timothy was called to be mindful of his words and their impact. His conduct was to reflect his faith. He was to practise genuine love for others. His faith in God was to be evident, not hidden, and his life marked by moral purity.