A Magnificent Diamond
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Today's devotion comes from our
Decade of Dominion: 52 Week Devotional.
Have you ever been fascinated by a diamond’s fire and brilliance? When you watch light sparkle and dance through its many facets, does it arrest your attention? It should, for that is what it’s created to do! When Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith, he compared his character to a multi-faceted diamond.
Timothy pastored a church in Ephesus, the third-largest city in the world at that time behind Rome, in Italy, and Alexandria, in Egypt. Ephesus was known for its idolatry and worship of the goddess Artemis. Being a young man and new pastor, it’s easy to see how Timothy could have become intimidated with what God had called him to do; he had quite a mission field before him. Paul knew Timothy needed guidance and encouragement, so he exhorted him to be bold and gave him six elements to emphasize in his life and ministry. Paul knew that if Timothy would fulfill these requirements it would ensure his success as a pastor and follower of Christ:
1. Speech – Believers must be prudent in their speech because their words have a direct and immutable impact;
2. Conduct – Believers must regulate their conduct in keeping with the Word of God;
3. Love – Believers are known by their love;
4. Spirit – Believers walk according to the Holy Spirit, not the flesh;
5. Faith – A believer’s faith is confirmed through their actions;
6. Purity – A believer lives from a position of purity because of their new heart.
Timothy’s Spirit-filled, Spirit-formed, Spirit-empowered life impacted every aspect of who he was and was an example of a life conformed to the image of Christ. God wants to fill you with His Spirit in the same way, so that you will be a magnificent, multi-faceted diamond reflecting the splendor of his majesty!
Lord, we ask today for more of Your Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, it can be easy to become consumed with the fears that surround me in life, but just as Your eye is on the sparrow, so also do You care for me and see me. Teach me today to become more reliant on You. Amen.
Further Reading
- 1 Timothy 4:12
- John 16:13
- 1 Corinthians 13
