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Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

None of us—no one—can be a perfect example.

But not being able to reach perfection doesn't excuse us from surrendering to and receiving God's enabling grace to grow. Some elements within contemporary Christianity seem to fear effort more than complacency. But Paul didn't wear our cultural blinders when he wrote to Timothy: "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress" (1 Tim. 4:15, NIV).

The key is "so that everyone may see your progress." Paul is saying: "Timothy, you can't be a perfect example to your churches, but you can be an authentic example, and any authentic believer is growing in holiness and Christ-likeness. Others should see progress in your life.

You should be kinder today than you were five years ago.

You should have more courage, more gentleness, less self-absorption, and a greater willingness to serve and sacrifice."

In one sense, prayer and Bible study are ends in themselves; I receive no greater joy than meeting God through them. But in another sense, they are the means to an end. If I'm not changed through practicing them, I'm not much of an advertisement for their personal value.

Gary Thomas in The Beautiful Fight