Paul, in his first letter to his disciple Timothy, gives a lot of instructions. In one section, Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look at him differently just because he is young. No matter your age, you have the opportunity to be an example for anyone – a friend or someone you meet randomly on the street. We can see this most clearly on mission trips. When you serve someone, you immediately garner his or her attention. Paul wants Timothy to understand he can be used by God right where he is. How? Paul says by using his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity practically. All these things basically make up the way you live your life. Paul tells Timothy to watch every facet of his life in order to be a shining example to those around him. We must do the same thing when it comes to our friends. As believers, there is no reason why we cannot be the example we need to be to all our friends. This is what we are commanded to do!

• How can you be an example to your friends today in your speech, conduct, love, faith and purity?