Be Thou an Example

To my Son,

                 One of the letters that Paul wrote in the New Testament was to a Bishop named Timothy. This is the same Timothy that we read about last night in the Tennis Shoes book. Paul gave this counsel to Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). He was a young leader in the Church in Ephesus, and Paul encouraged him not to be afraid to let his example help others even though he was younger than them. I hope that you will think about these words and remember that you can be an example in many ways even if you feel young. Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example “in word” and “in conversation,” and I know that you can do that. The things that you say can help others to calm down, to feel better, to choose to do what is right. We sometimes have fighting in our house and you can help us to be calmer and loving toward each other with your words. The words that we speak to each other, and how we speak those words, have a powerful impact on the feeling and spirit in our home. James remarked that sometimes “Bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men” and that “out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.” He then said, “My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:9-10). What he meant was that sometimes we use our mouths to pray and bless God, but then we turn around and use that same mouth to curse others and say mean things about them. It should not be this way! We should only use our words to bless and uplift, whether speaking to God or man.   

               Another invitation from Paul to Timothy was to be an example “in charity.” Charity means to love like Jesus does. Mormon said that “charity is the pure love of Christ” and that it “is the greatest of all” (Moroni 7:46-47). Think about that—the greatest quality you can ever possess is charity. All of our physical possessions one day will be gone, for “all things must fail,” but if we have charity in our hearts “it endureth forever.” I hope that you will strive to show love to others even when you feel that they are not doing the same to you. I know that you can be a great example of charity as you show love to your friends, your parents, and your siblings. We have a great reminder in our home with your sister being named Charity, and as you see her and her goodness and purity I hope you will remember to show charity to others. Thanks for being such a wonderful son and making good choices in your life—I know that through your example you will bless many people!

Love,

Dad