So You're Not the Norm

Timothy, called to preach the Gospel of Christ, faced challenges because of his young age. But Paul told him not to let anyone look down on him, questioning his authority as God’s spokesman: “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy’s exemplary life would teach and preach through his words and how he lived by love, faith, and integrity.

Intimidation is an ugly spirit birthed from the sin of pride. Cowardly accusers sound-off in the absence of their subjects behind closed doors, behind backs, and then there are the blatant face-to-face accusations. Like Timothy, let no man, woman, or child look down on you, or your calling, beliefs, profession, opinions, education—not for any reason. By God’s grace, be the gifted one-of-a-kind He created you to be, a godly example that puts the criticizers to shame.