"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)

A detergent advertisement depicted a little fellow looking intently at his shadow that fell across his pathway. The slogan underneath the picture read: "That's the only thing we can't wash out!"

As we consider this clever bit of sales promotion, we are reminded of the shadow of influence we cast on others by our example. Wrong attitudes and actions can engrave an impression on the minds of others which are next to impossible to erase. Just as we can leave a permanent mark for evil, we can likewise leave a lasting effect for good.

Let us, therefore, strive to live so that our loving spirit, vibrant faith, and purity of life are never diluted by inconsistency.