10/01/18 - 1Tim 4

Oct 1, 2018

Don't let anyone look down on you because of your age, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1Tim 4:12 

Age doesn’t dictate our impact, behavior does.

I call it “paper pride”.  It happens when a person graduates college.  A student who has worked so hard and been taught so much, finishes college and is ready to go into a career as an ‘expert’.  Having the paper is thought to prove their wisdom and skill.  The new graduate interviews or gets positioned in their first career job, and is ready to impart their new-found wisdom on everyone (and sometimes, they impart it at home, with friends, and around everyone else in their life too!)

Then comes the problem.  Pretty soon, the expert graduate is disappointed when they get asked to do lower end work, or their opinion is not valued.  Some struggle to even find a job in their field, and others give up trying.  Often, this is the point when the graduate gets frustrated with the older generation, wanting the chance to prove themselves or be heard.  While the paper proves they graduated, it doesn’t always help them have an impact.

This is when one of the greatest lessons about life is learned.  It’s not a lesson that can be instructed.  It’s a lesson that must be learned through experience.  It’s the lesson on True Impact.  We often have to learn the hard way that education is key to our career, but behavior is key to our impact.  That’s why Paul tells young Timothy that his knowledge won’t create as much impact as his behavior.  Our example carries more weight and opens more doors than the degree. 

Paul gives five ways our behavior makes a difference:

1)      In Speech – our career is more impacted by our speech than any other element.  What we say carries incredible weight – things like making & completing commitments, building people up, talking truthfully, etc. 

2)      In Conduct – nothing hurts a young person more than poor behavior.  Knowledge & skill is often lost in bad judgment or failed character.  Don’t ruin your chances for advancement by regressing in character.

3)      In Love – No career is a solo act, it always takes a team.  Learning to love and care for your team has more impact on our future than being the smartest or the most skilled.

4)      In Faith – Often, our anxiety and impatience can lead to poor choices.  Faith helps us remember to be patient and wait on God’s Timing, because His timing is always better for our futures.

5)      In Purity – A person’s career can outpace their character.  When that happens, immorality often comes next.  Never choose career over character.  Live with purity first, and your career will last.

Don’t get stuck in “paper pride”.  Let your example do the talking, and God will do the rest.