Paul’s exhortation in his first letter to Timothy isn’t just for Timothy, it is for all Christians throughout the ages. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Let me add, let no one despise your older age either. Young or old, we are to be examples. Remember Sting’s stalker song “I’ll Be Watching You?” Well, the world may not be stalking us, but they are watching and waiting to point the disparaging finger at us. We have to be aware of what we say and how we say it. Whether in person or on social media, vulgar speech, harsh criticism of prominent people, or rumoring is not honoring to the name of Jesus. Does how we live our lives agree with what we preach? We may be in church every Sunday, but where are we seen the rest of the week? Do people see our faith in times of crisis or only when everything is going smoothly? Young or old, temptation is always trying to snare us one way or another. Can the world criticize your purity? Jesus showed us selfless love. He set the example in all things. Let us do our best to do the same and encourage each other so that even though they are watching’ us, they will only see Jesus!
I Am Watching You
