TUESDAY January 4, 2022

A Proven Character

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
Philippians 2:19-24

Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus were all good, living examples of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul decided that if he could not come to see the Philippian believers, he would send Timothy to exhort and encourage them. Timothy stood firm in his faith. He followed Paul’s example and became like-minded. Paul became like a spiritual father to Timothy, and Timothy became his right-hand man.

Timothy was about 17 years old when he became totally committed to Jesus Christ. Even though young, he was greatly used in the kingdom of God. Timothy grew up learning about the Lord from his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. God called Daniel when he was only 13 years old and used him greatly in Babylon, the place of his captivity. Samuel was only 12 years old when God called him to become a prophet in Israel. He heard the voice of God instructing him (1 Samuel 3).

Understand, if you are young, do not believe that you have to be older to serve God. You can be a teenager! Young people need to understand that they do not have to be married with five children before they feel they are mature enough to serve God.

I wish I had been born and raised in a Christian home, but I was not. Have you been born into a Christian home, having Christian parents? Count your blessings! May God use your life tremendously to reach your friends. They need Jesus! Be a godly influence to them by being a good example.

The flower of youth never appears more beautiful than when it bends toward the sun of righteousness.
~Matthew Henry~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!