We must pay attention to who we are
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
In this segment, we shift our focus to the imperative of paying attention to who we are. But we must always remember the importance of living in alignment with our doctrine amidst a world fraught with diversions. The Bible consistently teaches that what we believe and how we live are not separate entities but intertwined facets of our existence.
Truck and Trailer
Consider the analogy of a truck with a trailer—an image that mirrors the interdependence of our beliefs and our identity. The truck, symbolizing our doctrine and what we believe, ought to pave the way. Where it goes, the trailer should follow. This relationship is unidirectional, for the trailer cannot pull the truck. The power resides in the truck, and the trailer derives its strength from it. Just as (anyone who has ever tried understands that) it’s challenging to drive a truck and trailer backward, our beliefs lead the way, and our identity follows closely behind–not the other way around. As we examine the specific ways that Paul calls Timothy to set an example, we need to see how particular Christian beliefs undergird these actions.
Speech, Conduct, and Coram Deo
Let’s begin with the impact of “coram Deo” on our speech and conduct. This Christian doctrine emphasizes that we live our lives in God’s presence and under His watchful eye. Just as our behavior changes when we interact with different people, coram Deo prompts us to recognize God’s constant presence in every facet of our lives. Imagine that God is an active participant in every conversation and accompanies you wherever you go. In such a scenario, we’d gossip less, criticize less, boast less, and complain less. This is not just a thought exercise, this is reality! This doctrine, “coram Deo,” becomes the truck that guides our conduct, with godly speech and behavior following closely as the trailer behind.
Love and the Divine Initiative
Love is often at odds with our sinful, self-centered tendencies. However, the Christian doctrine of the Divine Initiative radically alters our capacity to love. This doctrine conveys the profound truth that God, in His love, rescued us while we were still in a state of sin. John aptly puts it, “we love God because He first loved us.” So, our perception of love shifts, enabling us to love even our enemies and pray for them. The Divine Initiative, which portrays God’s love for us despite our sinfulness, becomes the truck guiding our capacity to love sinners. Loving and praying for our enemies are the trailer that follows.
Faith Anchored in Resurrection
Christian faith is not an abstract concept; it’s trust in someone. The Christian doctrine of the resurrection reinforces our trust in God. Even when confronted with death’s shadow and despair, our faith remains unshaken. The resurrection of Jesus Christ fromo the dead, as a foundational belief, propels courageous hope. It serves as the truck leading the way, while courageous hopefulness is the trailer that follows.
Purity and the Doctrine of Ransom
Finally, let’s consider purity in the context of the Christian doctrine of Ransom. This doctrine sheds light on our understanding of purity, especially concerning our sexuality. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6:20 ring true: “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” The doctrine underscores that Jesus’ sacrifice redeems not only our souls but also claims ownership over our bodies. The doctrine of Ransom, symbolized as the truck, guides us toward a life of purity. Our bodies, following the lead, become the trailer that upholds purity as a sacred call.
Pay Attention
In this exploration of the specific ways that Paul calls Timothy to set an example, we’ve observed how fundamental Christian beliefs underpin these actions. The call to pay attention to our life and our doctrine go hand in hand. As we seek God’s grace to align who we are and how we live in harmony with our beliefs, we embark on a journey towards authentic living that glorifies God.
