Set Apart to Set an Example
In the last lesson we established that God has called us to use our words for the purpose of edifying others. Today, we’ll look at some passages of Scripture that encourage us to leave gossip and cling to gracious and uplifting words. This encouragement comes from understanding our true calling.
Journey back with me for a moment to the beginning of the Bible, to the Law of Moses. (Portions of Exodus and Numbers, along with the entire books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, contain the Law.) After the exodus from Egypt, God made a covenant with the Israelites that He would be their God and they would be His people. This covenant included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The Law perfectly and specifically laid out all the Israelites were to do to obey God. It’s important to know that every command served a purpose and revealed something about the character of God! It’s also important to know that these commands were meant to set Israel apart from all the other pagan nations. They were supposed to be completely different!
Because Jesus came to fulfill the Law, we are no longer under the ceremonial and civil laws of the Old Testament. For example: we no longer sacrifice animals for our sin because Jesus came to be the full and final sacrifice for sin! Likewise, we no longer abstain from eating “unclean” foods (such as pork and shrimp) because Jesus came to truly make us clean on the inside. However, we are still called to be holy- to be set apart from the rest of the world (1 Peter 1:16). This means we follow the moral law and obey the commands of Christ. Doing so is what makes us radically different from others!
When the Apostle Paul wrote to his friend and co-laborer, Timothy, he gave him this encouragement: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). I love this verse! Although we don’t know the exact age of Timothy, we do know his age is no factor when it comes to setting an example for others! This verse makes it clear that anyone who follows Christ -regardless of their age- is called to live a life that reflects his character. I also love that this verse specifies setting an example in speech…did you catch that part?!
Similarly, in a letter to the Philippians, Paul instructed the believers to do everything without grumbling or arguing. If they lived this way, he said they would “shine like stars in the sky” (Philippians 3:15). In other words, they would be unique- a light in the darkness! Throughout Scripture the description of “light” was applied to God’s people. Just as Israel was to be a light to the Gentiles, Jesus commanded us to let our light shine before men so they may see our good deeds and glorify God in heaven (Isaiah 42:6, Matthew 5:16).
Ok, so let’s put this all together! Because we are followers of Christ (and therefore, children of God!) we are called to live lives that are holy and set apart. This means our lives shouldn’t match the lives of those who don’t know Christ! Everything about us- from the way we treat people to the way we talk- should look different. We should shine as stars in the universe, as a light in the darkness.
When we live obediently to God’s Word three things happen: 1) God is pleased! Our obedience is the demonstration of our love for Him and it makes His heart happy. 2) God is glorified. It brings glory and honor to His name when His people faithfully live for Him. Everything we do should be done for the glory of God! 3) Others are drawn to Him. While some may ridicule us for living differently, others will take note and wonder what makes us different. When they ask questions, it’s a wonderful opportunity to be a witness for Christ and share what he has done in our lives. Remember, the difference they see in us is the evidence of the work He has done in us!
As we consider our calling to be set apart, I pray it motivates us to be a leader rather than a follower. And as this whole series is about gossip, I pray we also know we can set a powerful example with our speech! The next time we find ourselves in a conversation with friends or peers, I challenge us to ask the question, Am I leading now, setting an example for others? Or, am I simply following?
Reflection:
How does knowing that you’re called to be set apart change how you view your speech?
What are some practical ways you can lead by example when in conversations with friends/peers?
Action:
Read 1 Timothy 4:12. Write it out on an index card and place it somewhere as a reminder to set an example!
Place some star stickers on your phone case, notebooks, or school folders. They will remind you that you are a light to those around you 🙂
Prayer:
Thank God for the opportunity you have to serve Him with your words. Ask Him to help you live obediently to Him and for opportunities to share the reason you live differently!
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