In Speech
Some of you know that I have been preaching through 1 Timothy at my church these past months. It's a very full and challenging letter, and I am fitting it into 9 sermons. But there are some parts of the letter that I wish I could've spent more time on, like this verse: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
In the sermon I did on chapter 4, I briefly touched on this verse, but I thought it might be helpful if I use these devotions to address each of these areas of our lives through which Paul says we are to set an example for others.
I am very blessed to have had people in my life who did set an example in these things, as I grew up and came to know what following Jesus looked like. Did you? Share in the comments, who set an example for you. And may it be that somebody learns from your example too.
Three Questions About Your Words
Paul says firstly that we are to set an example for the believers in speech. I used to always get nervous when giving speeches at school! But then by the time I was 16, I began to turn them into little sermons, which is why I think most people who knew me then aren't surprised that I ended up in ministry!
Of course, Paul is not talking about that here. He's saying that the way you talk should be an example for others to emulate. Consider, would you, three things about the way you speak:
First, what words do you use? Do you use vulgar and crass language? Do you use inflammatory and disrespectful terms? A verse that I have memorised is this from Proverbs 12:18: "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Perhaps it's time for you to think more closely about the impact your words have.
A second consideration is, what tone do you speak with? Proverbs 15:1 says "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." And when Paul was writing to Titus, he told him to make sure the Christians "slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone." (Titus 3:2) Perhaps it's time for you to watch your tone a little - not that you can't get firm when you need to, but that you ask for wisdom and guidance in this matter and try always to be gentle and respectful.
Knowing When to Speak and When to Listen
Third, do you know when to speak up and when to shut up? Proverbs 10:19 says this: "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." I wonder how much of an example we might set if we hold back more often, refusing to interrupt, and waiting for the right moment to speak.
That's a lot to think of today, but I hope that you will take the time to consider these things. Jesus said this in Matthew 12:37: "By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." May we set an example in our speech, so that our words acquit us, and don't condemn us, when we meet Jesus.
