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TIMOTHY – A Model For Us Today

Not much was said about Timothy explicitly in Scripture; but we can attempt to make some inferences from Paul’s instructions to him and from what the Bible said concerning him.
His mother was a Jew (Acts 16:1) while his father was a Greek (Gentile) – a case of unequal yoking in marriage. He was brought up by his mother, Eunice and his grandmother, Lois; hence one would not be surprised to see Timothy tend towards being effeminate and highly emotional (see 2Tim. 1:4). That little was said of his father suggests to us that his father either died or disappeared (through divorce or something else) in his infancy; or that he was born out of wedlock.
He was a sickly youth (1Tim 5:23); and from Paul’s charges to him (1Tim 4:12-16; 5:20-21; 6:12-14; 2Tim 1:8; 2:1-7) it seemed he had a tendency to shy away from responsibilities and difficult challenges. Timothy had a good Christian upbringing, but was in danger of losing his faith (2Tim 3:14-15).
As a youth, he faced the usual challenges every youth of today face: youthful lusts for MONEY (1Tim 6:6-11), SEX (1Tim. 2:22, 2Tim 5:2). Others were DISTRACTIONS (1Tim 4:7-8, 13); IDLE TALKS (1Tim 1:4, 6:20-21); BAD MANNERS (1Tim 3:15); TIMIDITY (2Tim 1:7-8); and PEER PRESSURE (1Tim. 4:16).
However we see from scriptures that Timothy eventually became a disciple well-spoken of among brethren, and with a genuine faith. He rose from serving Paul to become a fellow minister with Paul with same zeal and passion. He was first posted to a newly-planted church in Ephesus (1Tim. 1:3); and Church History tells us that he eventually became the first Bishop of Ephesus.
We therefore posit that irrespective of your age, nationality, background, your present condition or disposition in life, YOU CAN STILL RISE ABOVE THEM to manifest that which the Lord has deposited in you. Your life need not waste because of perceived limitations. Timothy overcame; and so did many others. Your story will not be different.
“Now that you know this truth, how happy [blessed] you will be if you put it into practice!”
– Jesus Christ (John 13:17 GNB).
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