The Apostle Paul mentored young Timothy in his spiritual leadership role and encouraged him to lead by example. He wrote: I Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on you because you are young, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity show yourself an example of those who believe. In other words, he was telling Timothy and us that we are to lead and show others that we are a Christian in these five areas. This admonition is relevant to every man regardless of age. What did Paul mean in speech? This means that our conversation with others should be exemplary and that we should watch carefully our words. It means that we should avoid filthy and crude talk and not take the Lord’s name in vain. It means to be truthful and honest and not double talk or less than forthcoming. It means that we are to not be harsh and that our speech should reflect the fruit of the Spirit at all times.

Your children and those with whom you work hear what you say and will repeat it in public. So, be careful. The Bible has hundreds of verses about the importance of our speech and tongue. Here are only a few: Matthew 12:34 “For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 5:4 “And there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting which are not fitting. James 5:1 “Do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but let you yes by yes and your no, be no.” Next week, we will look at the second area, conduct, in our spiritual leadership example of a Christian man.