Let no one look down on you!
While this is a call directly to young people, its teaching is applicable to all people, regardless of your age, experience, or even where you are. What really matters is how you live in Christ, that is, how you live your faith.
While Paul is speaking directly to Timothy, the young leader, and encourages him not to let others pressure him because he is young, Paul is clear and tells him not to listen to them. The apostle in turn shows him the way forward: "Be an example."
Here Paul gives a series of details so that Timothy can be an example in his words. This means speaking truthfully, respectfully, and with the intention of building in love and grace. When he refers to conduct, he says that his actions should reflect Jesus Christ even when no one is watching. When he speaks of conducting himself with love, he means loving unconditionally and without prejudice. He must act in spirit and faith; this means standing firm in the faith that he shares with others. He also asks you to be an example of purity by living a life of integrity in your thoughts and decisions.
All of this has great weight here on earth and, consequently, a reward in the kingdom of heaven. So, if you are young, don't let yourself be a girl; follow this example and gather the strength necessary to strengthen your identity in Christ and thus be a reflection of Jesus Christ in the midst of this world, thus having a much greater influence than you realize.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12