Wisdom for the Graduate

Me? A Good Example?

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou on example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

When someone's referred to as a "good example," most likely that person is middle-aged or older. We tend to look to those who are older than we are for inspiration, figuring they have more experience and wisdom. That is not necessarily true; there are plenty of old fools around.

Don't rule yourself out of the good example population because you're young. Being a good example has nothing to do with age and everything to do with how you live your life. You can be a good example in kindergarten, providing you don't run with scissors.

You don't have to be a Goody Two-shoes, but you should try to live your life with courage and fairness and faith. If you can do that long enough, you're on your way toward becoming a good example. A good reputation opens doors that might other-wise stay close to you.

Lord, I'm not sure I want to be a good example. Maybe for now I'll just concentrate on doing the right thing day by day and see how it works out. Teach me how I should act.