My wife and I live with our children in Guadalajara, Mexico. We both teach at a Christian School in the city. Early on in our transition, I felt God urging me to memorize my way through 1st Timothy. It took me a while to act on this urge, but this time has recently morphed into a daily walk of meditation and memorization as I go verse by verse through the book.
As I have spent a great deal of time walking and thinking about 1st Timothy already, I have come to think about all of the things that God had to say to the young Timothy through Paul. I read through the book several times and realized that He also had these things to say to me.
Many are familiar with the 1 Timothy 4:12 encouragement "Don't let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." While we use this to exhort our youth (which we should) most people believe Timothy was probably in his early 30's when Paul gave him this command.
Now that I find my self a generational counterpart of the young pastor, I wonder if these words won't impact my life as they did his. While we sit worlds apart, I can only imagine Timothy dwelling on every word of Paul as he looked for encouragement, exhortation, and guidance. I hope to find the same in my daily walk.
Keep in mind, this is not a scholarly attempt to disect these verses. I leave the house with only a verse on my lips and a context in my mind. Regretfully, the library stays at home! With that said, if you do choose to read feel free to share insights that might even open these verses up for me more!
Walk along if you like, feel free to add comments or disperse truth as God leads you along your path.
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