Keeping Good Memories
1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
The Book of 1 Timothy was written to a young man who was entering the ministry. Knowing the hardships that Timothy would face in the ministry, Paul challenged him not to despise his youth. After telling him not to despise his youth, he then told him how to live so that he could have good memories of his youth. What a person does in their youth will either haunt them for the rest of their life or will be good memories that they can talk about to their children. The same way a youth should live to keep good memories is the same way everyone can live so that they don't regret or despise any portion of their life.
First, to keep good memories, be careful of what you say. We often hear the statement, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me." This statement is a lie. Bones heal, but the words we speak will follow us for the rest of our life. Be careful with what you say you will do in life. Don't ever say something that you can't back up. Likewise, be careful with what you say to people. Don't say things in the moment of anger that you will regret later. To keep good memories, watch the words you say.
Second, live a way of life that you won't regret in later years. The word "conversation" is talking about your manner of living. Often people do things that they later regret. I have especially watched singles live certain ways because it is the first time they feel they have freedom. Before you ever choose an action to perform, always consider the ramifications that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Third, love people to keep good memories. One of the things I try to do is love as many people as I can because I know that one day I will get old. Loving people is a choice. Don't be abrasive with people, but love them. Don't ruin every relationship you have, because one day you won't have any relationships if you do this. Simply put, be good to everyone, because everyone is having a tough time. If you will be good to everyone, then you will have good memories.
Fourth, have a good spirit. Having a good spirit is a choice. Don't be grumpy or filled with strife all the time. When a person has a good spirit, it will help them to create good memories. Having a good spirit is a way that you can avoid despising any portion of your life.
Fifth, serve God. Your faith is your service to God. The best memories you'll create will be in your service to God. Don't wait to serve God until you are old. Serve Him while you are young so that you can experience the blessings of serving Him with your whole life.
Last, live a pure life. Christian, it is so important that you keep your mind pure. It is highly important that you avoid the lusts of this world. Lusts and adultery will only leave regrets. Don't think that one act of indiscretion won't follow you for the rest of your life. It will! Living a pure life will help you to have good memories.
Yes, God was talking to the youth and was teaching them how not to despise any portion of their life. However, if these actions will keep a youth from regrets, then it will keep an older person from regrets as well. If you live without regrets, then you'll live with good memories.