For a long time now Timothy has been one of my favorite role models. He was appraised often, and was rarely spoken of badly. He was a man who had a genuine faith (2 Tim. 1:5) and it will be good for us to follow his example, so I have listed some of his characteristics below:
First, He was a man with good intentions. 1 Tim. 5:25: “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.” His good works were seen by all who were around him, and that's why he was well spoken of by the Christians in that area. (Acts 16:2) He was also called a fellow brother, a minister, and a beloved and faithful son of Paul. In 1 Timothy 1:3 it even appears as if Paul had a hard time parting with Timothy.
Second, he was trustworthy. Trustworthy enough to be sent places if Paul couldn't go there himself, to co-author some books with Paul, and to be sent to churches and peoples that had some difficult problems.
Third, he sought Jesus Christ above all else. (Phil. 2:19-21)
Fourth, he was active as a missionary even before Paul came and took him as an apostle.
Fifth, he sincerely cared for others. (Phil. 2:20)
Sixth, he was someone who would go where he was sent, and he was sent places pretty often! He was also a good messenger and communicator.
But like everyone he had imperfections. In the two books of Timothy most of the instructions given to him are so he can know how to lead better and take care of those around him. But there are a few times that Paul talks to Timothy pretty emphatically, so that the translations often add exclamation points, two of those times being 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 4:2, the first one telling Timothy to use what he has wisely and to not pay attention to gossip, the second time is telling Timothy to be ready to preach the word at all times.
So there's the basic reasons why I admire Timothy. Hopefully all of us will aspire to be like him, ready to be sent and to preach the word wherever we are.
Because Providence permits,
The Adherent
