JOHN SHIRK-Today’s Relationship-Building Principle comes from First Timothy 4:12.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

This message was from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, who was a younger leader in the church. Timothy may have been in his mid-30s or even younger when this letter was written to him. But Paul did not see his young age as a barrier to ministry if his character was effective in representing Jesus Christ. Age is not a barrier if a church leader lives under the influence of Jesus Christ, and demonstrates leadership guidelines found in the Bible.

Paul was emphasizing the importance for leaders to be an influence through godly character, in our words, conduct, expressions of love, and deeply held convictions about Jesus.

In First Timothy 4:16, Paul said to Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Setting an example of godly character is a vital relationship-building principle to take to heart in the Year of Connection.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com