Leader in Life and Love

“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.”
1 Timothy 4:12

Last week in our devotional, we considered the truth of leadership. We should understand that each one of us in some way exercises influence over others (leadership), and therefore, we all must consider our example as leaders. This week, we want to consider the leaders example in life and love.

Many so-called leaders today want to say to their followers “do as I say, not as I do”. Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in “conversation”. The word conversation is an Old English term that means one’s manner of life. A good leader recognizes that followers often watch how they live more than they listen to the words that they say. The old saying still holds true, “your walk talks louder than your talk talks”. Therefore, good leaders need to avoid hypocrisy and set a good example in the way that they live, which includes being careful to avoid even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Second, a good leader must set the right example in relation to their love. Paul said we are to be examples in our charity. Paul wanted Timothy to understand that good leadership must be loving leadership. We have enough self-centered, self-serving despots and dictators in our world. There is a need for good and godly leaders who show the love of Christ to all that they have opportunity to influence. We are to love as God loves us, sacrificially and selflessly.

We all have the opportunity to influence someone. How will you influence them? May God help us to be good and godly examples in the way that we live, and the way that we love.

Pastor Jeffrey Bateman