Who is Your Timothy?

1 Corinthians 4:17 – “For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus…”

The Corinthians seemed to be in bad shape. They were worldly – yikes!- and slow to grow in maturity in their Christian faith. Chapter 3 states Paul’s harsh description of how he views their state from an eternal perspective (see Epiphanator for more on the meaning of this phrase.)

God’s solution? Timothy. Here is your example, Corinthians, follow this guy.

I believe we all have Timothys in our life. A living example of someone who is serious about their faith, sets a higher standard, and probably someone who inspires you to get to that next level so you can be actively participating in the type of kingdom work they do.

I have had a Timothy or two at several different points in my life.

When I was a young’un, my parents set the pace.

When I joined the youth group at church – it was the youth pastor.

When I began picking up Elisabeth Elliot books – she guided me with her practical insights and advice.

When I was given a Rebecca St. James tape (yes, tape, i’m old) at Christmastime I devoured her musical message.

In college I looked up to Sarah Pippin, my bible study leader and discipler who challenged the potential out of me.

When I took a missions trip to Mexico it was a woman on staff who was not afraid to tell me I was difficult and perhaps even cold.

These days it’s Beth Moore with her wild wisdom-filled bible studies.

Who is your Timothy?