Be an Example in the Faith

“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 (ESV). “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” –Titus 2:7-9 (ESV).

How important is it to be an “example” in the faith? Moreover, how important is it to have a good “example” to follow? Paul the Apostle wrote to his “son in the gospel,” young Timothy, that he was to be an example to others. He gave Timothy five areas of his life in which he should be exemplary: speech, conduct, love, faith, purity. In a few words Paul covered a broad expanse of life goals: how he talked, how he acted and lived, how deep his love was for God and for others, how committed he was in his faith, and with what purity not only was his life but his teachings.

To Titus he wrote that he should be “a model of good works,” another way of saying “be an example in the faith.” Titus was to be a model in teaching, holding to integrity (uprightness), dignity (honor), and sound speech (good doctrine). Paul knew that such sterling examples as he was urging Timothy and Titus to be would not keep them immune from criticism, but they would be blameless when people wanted to condemn them.

Paul also wrote that he himself lived as an example: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Philippians 3:17, ESV). Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:2-13 (ESV): You yourselves are our letter of recommendation written on our hearts to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

A Christian writer and teacher, Annie Johnson Flint, was born December 24, 1866 in the little town of Vineland, New Jersey to Eldon and Jean Johnson. Her mother died when Annie was only three following the birth of Annie’s baby sister. At first her father hired a widow of a Civil War Veteran to look after his two little girls. But the lady was not very gentle with them. Later he found a home for the girls with a Mr. and Mrs. Flint. Then the girls’ father got an incurable disease and soon died. The orphan girls were adopted by the Flints who were nurturing and loving to the girls. Annie did well in high school, thanks to a neighbor whom she called “Aunt Susie,” (no relationship, just a friend to the Flints). Annie went to Normal School, taking a teaching course. Upon finishing, she got a job teaching school, with a three-year contract. During that time she developed painful and crippling arthritis and had to give up teaching. Even though she had pain as she began to polish her writing skills, she still found great joy in writing. She was especially proficient in writing poetry. She got a job with “The Sunday School Times,” and her writings in that magazine linked her up with a worldwide fellowship of Christians. Many of her poems were published and read widely. She wielded a great influence with her pen. She shared much of her deep love for and faith in Christ before her death September 8, 1932. She wrote a very widely-read poem about being a Christian example. As you read her poem, think about how you can be an example so the world can learn about Christ from you. Annie Johnson Flint writes in poetic form on the same advice Paul gave about being a Christian example before others.

The World’s Bible

by Annie Johnson Flint

Christ has no hands but our hands

To do His work today;

He has no feet but our feet

To lead men in His way;

He has no tongue but our tongue

To tell men how He died;

He has no help but our help

To bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible

The careless world will read;

We are the sinner’s gospel,

We are the scoffer’s creed;

We are the Lord’s last message

Given in deed and word;

What if the type is crooked?

What if the print is blurred?

What if our hands are busy

With other work than His?

What if our feet are walking

Where sin’s allurement is?

What if our tongues are speaking

Of things His lips would spurn?

How can we hope to help Him

Unless from Him we learn?

Prayer: Lord, I want to be an example of your love. Strengthen my weak places and help me to realize that I have a responsibility to live out Christian principles.

-Ethelene Dyer Jones 08.09.2015