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IT WAS ON THE APOSTLE PAUL’s second missionary journey that he stopped in Lystra and found Timothy—a young man who was “well-reported of by the brethren.” At an early age, Timothy joined Paul in spreading the Gospel. In spite of being young, Timothy was given important tasks to accomplish. In six of Paul’s epistles he is mentioned as a co-author. He shared Paul’s imprisonment, and in Ephesis he played a leading role in the church and in combating false doctrine.
Timothy, whose name means “he who honors God,” lived his life as a tribute to God. His youth did not hinder him from being an effective servant of God. Paul recognized this when he gave encouragement and direction to Timothy in these words recorded in I 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.”
At the close of each year in the middle school, we honor a boy and a girl from each grade who best exemplify the qualities that Timothy exhibited. These students are nominated by their peers and are recognized for demonstrating their Christian commitment, for their responsible and positive attitude, and for exhibiting a high degree of participation and effort throughout the year. These students have taken to heart the words of I Timothy 4:12 and like Timothy, live their lives as a tribute to God.
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