The Telephone Game — Gossip vs. Instruction - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
1 Timothy 4:12
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. (NIV)
Did you catch what Paul says in today’s verse? Don’t let anyone LOOK DOWN on you… instead give them a reason to LOOK UP to you. Be an example.
And what kind of example? He gives Timothy five areas to focus on:
What you say
The way you live
Your love
Your faith
Your purity
In other words, it can never be compartmentalized. True Christ-like character should shine through in every facet of your life.
Paul's charge to Timothy wasn’t about perfection but consistency. Setting an example means striving to align speech and conduct, even when it’s inconvenient. It means apologizing when wrong, showing patience under pressure, and walking the talk without excuses.
Look at our leader Jesus’ example. He didn’t just teach servant-heartedness—He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-17). He didn’t just preach forgiveness—He forgave those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He didn’t just teach love—He laid down His life for us (John 15:13). His impact wasn’t just in what He said but in how He lived.
Today’s verse has been a guiding principle for Southland’s College and Young Adult ministries. We believe young adults need the church, and just as importantly, the church needs young adults. We like to say, “We want to reach young people by gathering more old people” (Titus 2:1-7, Proverbs 16:31, 20:29). It’s not our idea, it’s God’s. He has designed the local church to be multi-generational for so many beautiful reasons, including that we need examples of the faith.
That’s where you come in. You have wisdom and experience that young adults desperately need—not just advice but through example. They don’t need perfect Christians; they need real ones. Let them see how you depend on the Lord in your struggles, how you wrestle with faith, and how you apply Scripture in everyday life.
People—especially those younger in the faith—watch how we live more than they listen to what we say. This should be good news to all of us. It reminds us that it's the Gospel’s power that transforms, not our own wisdom or cleverness or ability. So the pressure is off. It’s not about having all the right answers. It’s about being a living, breathing testimony of God’s grace.
So who’s watching you—a coworker, a child, a friend? Ask God to help you be an example in both what you say and what you do. Your faith lived out can be the encouragement someone else needs to follow Jesus more closely.
REFLECTION
If you’ve ever thought about hosting a college or young adult group, we’d love to talk with you about what it could look like. Just reach out to Evan at ewehrle@southland.church to start the conversation!
