When you were picking your role model, did you pick anyone your age? Probably not. Most kids usually pick a teacher who is positive, parents who encourage them, or a coach who pushes them just enough to make them better.
The apostle Paul, however, encouraged young Timothy to be a role model—even for older people. “Don’t let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).
That goes for you too. Yes, you are young, but you are also a valuable part of God’s family. Sometimes adults get too worried, too anxious, and too distracted by all the adult decisions they face. Your faith, your simple trust in God, the way you ask people if they know about Jesus, all of those are examples for other believers. God uses you to encourage and remind adults to have faith like a child.
Timothy—who set an example for other believers—was God’s child, just like you are.
Chomp on this!
What qualities do you look for in a role model?
In your life, which person do you look up to? What made you pick that person?
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for living inside of me. With your power, let me be an example for other believers. Use my words, actions, love, faith, and life to encourage others and bring them closer to you. Amen.
