Don't Let Anyone Look Down On You
Set an example in faith no matter your season of life.
ChristChrist Fellowship Team
January 28, 2026
READ:
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
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:1-8
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:14-16
DEVOTIONAL:
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m too old,” or “I’m too young”? When disqualifying thoughts strike, remember to look to the truth of God’s Word. Scripture reveals that no matter what season of life you’re in—your role is to set an example. Timothy 4:12 gives five specific areas:
Speech
No matter your age, you can set an example in what you say and what you don’t say. Refuse to participate in gossip, speak truth and encouragement, and use your words to bring hope rather than negativity. Proverbs 18:21 makes it clear that death and life are in the power of our tongue. Every day we hold the power to bring life into our spheres of influence with something as simple as our words.
Conduct
Whether you are a student or a senior, you have the power to set an example with your conduct. From your integrity to how you manage your money—people learn from observing a counter-culture way of living.
Love
1 John 4:8 tells us that whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. Scripture also teaches that people will know we are Jesus’ disciples because of our love for one another. In other words, no matter what stage of life you are in, if you are a follower of Jesus, your life should be marked by love.
Faith
It can be easy to fall into doom and gloom thinking in a world filled with endless headlines. But as Christ-followers, we can respond with faith rather than fear. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that we walk by faith and not by sight. We serve a powerful God with a long track record of changing hearts and turning around seemingly impossible situations.
Purity
Setting an example in purity is not about a bunch of external rules—it’s actually about drawing closer to God. Matthew 5:8 says the pure in heart are blessed because they will see God. The nature of purity—or holiness—is about becoming more like God, developing more of His character, and ridding ourselves of anything that stands in the way of our connection with Him.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you that I can influence others no matter what age or stage I’m in. Fill me with your Spirit and help me to be a model in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Guard me from thoughts of discouragement and comparisons. Amen.