Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The word “example” is translated from the Greek word “tupos”, meaning a die or stamp (Strong’s). A good stamp replicates itself exactly. In like manner, Timothy was to be a model for others to imitate (c.f. Galatians 4:19, 1 Corinthians 11:1). This exhortation meant not only for Timothy, but for all Christians. Every person in Christ is must shine as an example for others to follow. 

We have received a beautiful gift from our loving Benefactor (James 1:17, Romans 6:23). We must not to hide our example from the world. We are to shine our lights before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

In this “self serve,” “me first” world Satan has made it easy to forget about Christian responsibility. However, Jesus reveals that being a Christian is about being a servant.

Jesus’ life was one of service. Paul taught that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). He came to serve humanity in its time of need, and in doing so He left an example for His people. To live the Christian life is to about conforming oneself to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

To serve like Jesus one must be concerned with the needs of others. Jesus himself said, "whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward" (Matt 10:42). He was not instructing His disciples to do the least they could, He was showing the importance of meeting people’s needs no matter how small.

Service is one way Christians express the love of God toward others. “You are the light of the world…let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:14-16). "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35). When Christians serve, others see Christ in their good works.

God has blessed His people with talents and abilities (Matt 25:14-46), yet often these abilities are used only to better one’s station in life. God’s plan however, is that they be used as means to serve others, for His glory. The question that should be on the lips of every Christian is, “How can I help?”

When this question is asked, it is often the case that many people will not know how to answer it. To discover ways to help:

• Listen and observe. What is needed is often easily seen, but remember to pay attention to the little things. When little things add up they can create quite a load. Helping in “little ways” can add up, as well.

• Rely on your own experiences. We have all had different experiences and remember what helped and didn’t help during those times. Maybe God allowed you to go through something so you could help others.

• Pray and ask God for His guidance. God always knows what to do!

- Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)

Three preachers were discussing their favorite translations of the Bible. The first said, “I like the King James Version because of its beautiful English.” Another said, “I like the New American Standard Bible because it's closer to the original Hebrew and Greek.” The third one said, “I like my mother's translation the best.”

The other men were surprised. They said, “We didn't know that your mother made a translation of the Bible.” “Yes,” he replied. “She translated it into everyday life. And it was the most beautiful and convincing translation I ever saw.”

The wise man has said, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised” (Prov 31:30). We need more walking Bibles in the home, in the workplace, and in the community.

Paul said, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” (2 Cor 3:2-3). Therefore, let us follow the command of the Lord and let our “lights shine”  so that men may read the story of our lives and glorify the great God whom we serve! (Mt 5:14)

Josh Allen (Pikeville, KY)
This is from our "Main Street Minute" radio broadcast