Pablo Picasso a Spanish Artist once said, "Youth has no age". He also said that "It takes a long time to become young". He also said "We don't grow older, we grow riper". Then of course, there is the saying by an unknown author that says, "You are only are young as you feel". But, I think I like what Picasso said better. Because, some mornings I wake up and feel a lot older than I am! But after I have my cup of java...I feel much better. Hmmm, I guess that is a sure sign of growing older...I mean riper.
I read 1 Timothy 4:12 in my email this morning and it got me to thinking about age and youth. Just where does youth begin and end? I like the thought that "Youth has no age". 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity". This verse reminded me that I should be an example of how a true Christian is suppose to act no matter how others treat me. But, how can I do this?
In word:
David said in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, my redeemer". Maybe that should be my prayer daily during my prayer time and throughout the day.
In conversation:
The word 'conversation' is translated from the Greek as "manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment". In 1 Peter 1:15-16 it says, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy". The way I act, speak and dress should show a devotion to God and to a life of virtue.
In charity (love):
In John 13:35, Jesus says, "By this shall ALL men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another". It does not say chose the ones I show love to or love only those who will love me back. It just simply says love one another. In John 13:34, Jesus says, "A NEW commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another". If I am in Christ, I am a new creature. The old things have passed away...behold ALL things become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17). I need to continue to push out the old thinking and maintain a state of mind that produces love.
In spirit:
With every breathe I take and with every thought I think I need to make sure that I am in alignment with the Word of God. I have prayed Psalm 51:10 often, "Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew aright spirit within me".
In faith:
I need to listen to, yield to God; being faithful to and trusting him in all things. 1 Corinthians 2:5 says, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God". That is the only way that my faith can be strong...in the power of God.
In purity:
The Greek word for purity in this verse translates as sinlessness of life, chaste, righteous and modest. I should be an example by acting, speaking and dressing in a pure manner; being chaste, righteous and modest. I firmly believe that the way I dress is just as important as the way I act and speak as a Christian.
As I go about my day, I pray that the Lord helps me to remember that youth has no age and that I need to continue to strive to be an example to those around me...especially to my children. As a mother, training up my children is an important part of my 'job description'. Yes, there are some days I feel like I am doing everything correctly and then there are days that I have to apologize to my kids for this or that. I want my kids to realize that I am human...I am not a "supermom" who always does everything perfect. I will make mistakes. But I want them to realize that when a person makes a mistake they need to be responsible enough to make things right again. Besides my husband, my kids mean the world to me. If there is one thing that I could "wish for" on this earth...it would be to be a successful Wife and Mother. But, to accomplish that, I need to allow God to shine through me and be the best example I can be.
I read 1 Timothy 4:12 in my email this morning and it got me to thinking about age and youth. Just where does youth begin and end? I like the thought that "Youth has no age". 1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity". This verse reminded me that I should be an example of how a true Christian is suppose to act no matter how others treat me. But, how can I do this?
In word:
David said in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, my redeemer". Maybe that should be my prayer daily during my prayer time and throughout the day.
In conversation:
The word 'conversation' is translated from the Greek as "manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment". In 1 Peter 1:15-16 it says, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy". The way I act, speak and dress should show a devotion to God and to a life of virtue.
In charity (love):
In John 13:35, Jesus says, "By this shall ALL men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another". It does not say chose the ones I show love to or love only those who will love me back. It just simply says love one another. In John 13:34, Jesus says, "A NEW commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another". If I am in Christ, I am a new creature. The old things have passed away...behold ALL things become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17). I need to continue to push out the old thinking and maintain a state of mind that produces love.
In spirit:
With every breathe I take and with every thought I think I need to make sure that I am in alignment with the Word of God. I have prayed Psalm 51:10 often, "Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew aright spirit within me".
In faith:
I need to listen to, yield to God; being faithful to and trusting him in all things. 1 Corinthians 2:5 says, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God". That is the only way that my faith can be strong...in the power of God.
In purity:
The Greek word for purity in this verse translates as sinlessness of life, chaste, righteous and modest. I should be an example by acting, speaking and dressing in a pure manner; being chaste, righteous and modest. I firmly believe that the way I dress is just as important as the way I act and speak as a Christian.
As I go about my day, I pray that the Lord helps me to remember that youth has no age and that I need to continue to strive to be an example to those around me...especially to my children. As a mother, training up my children is an important part of my 'job description'. Yes, there are some days I feel like I am doing everything correctly and then there are days that I have to apologize to my kids for this or that. I want my kids to realize that I am human...I am not a "supermom" who always does everything perfect. I will make mistakes. But I want them to realize that when a person makes a mistake they need to be responsible enough to make things right again. Besides my husband, my kids mean the world to me. If there is one thing that I could "wish for" on this earth...it would be to be a successful Wife and Mother. But, to accomplish that, I need to allow God to shine through me and be the best example I can be.
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