Many are excited about the coming election because it is likely that every Singaporean will get to cast a vote as every constituency will be contested. As candidates are introduced to the public, they are also scrutinized. One candidate has been criticized primarily for her young age—27 years old—and the way she presented herself. The PAP defended her by saying that she has been a grassroot leader for 7 years. Her case is an example of being despised for being young.

In a similar way, it is important, especially as Christians, to understand what we should do if we hope to be respected by others. The purpose is not to gain self glory—we are called to die to self-centredness—but so that as Christians we can be good testimonies for God and as Christian leaders, we can gain the submission of church members that we may build them up.

Criteria

Timothy was a young pastor in the church of Ephesus. The church at that time was facing problems caused by people who were influenced by some women. Timothy was then called by Paul to address these problems.

Timothy, however, was afraid as he was young man called to address people who were elderly. It was in such a context that Paul taught Timothy how he should behave that he might gain the respect of the church members: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12). Paul did not say that to be respected, you must be intelligent, look wealthy or have a sense of humour.

He mentioned several things that you must have—1. Speech: Say only things that will bring good to people. If what you say, no matter how intelligent it might make you look or how funny it is, if it does not edify a person, it is wiser to remain silent. Thus, “even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Pro 17:28). Also, do not bad mouth others. A person who bad mouths others in front of you, may also bad mouth you in front of others. Do not be delighted that he is on your side. Someone wisely says that if what you say about a person cannot be heard by that person, do not say it. 2. Life: practice what you preach. People respect you for what you do and not for what you know you should do. 3. Love: Be kind and gracious. Stop that critical tongue. If he has a problem, help him and not destroy him with your tongue. Be sincere in your love. In whatever you do, do it out of love for that person. 4. Faith: This refers to faith towards God, that is, submission to God. Do all things because you want to please God. If God is pleased with you, that is all that matters even if people do not appreciate you. 5. Purity: Have nothing to do, whether in word or deed, with things that are filthy or immoral. Keep away from sexual sins. Keep your motive clean and sincere. Do not do relate to other Christians with the motive of wanting to profit from them. Be honest: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Otherwise, what you say comes from the devil.

Benefit

True respect does not come from a show of intelligence or wealth but from how you live out the Christian faith with sincerity. If you will be careful with your speech, life (or conduct), love, faith and purity, you will gain the respect of many and hence be a good testimony for God and will able to attract people to Christ.