I have a question for you – who’s example are you following?

Its interesting to me that everything that God asks us to do in His Word, He has wisely given real-life examples of how to live that out.

Whatever the standard is, if you look around there are people in your life – whether you know them closely or loosely – that is an example of that standard.

  • If patience is the standard, then there’s someone that’s doing it.
  • If love is the standard, then there’s someone that’s doing it.
  • If sacrifice is the standard, then there’s someone that’s doing it.
  • If loyalty is the standard, then there’s someone that’s doing it.
  • If kindness is the standard, then there’s someone that’s doing it.

Whatever it is – there are people that are living that out right in front of you.

The challenge for all of us is to make sure that we’re following the right examples and learning from the bad examples.

A few years ago, one of my family members was wronged by another person.  I immediately wanted to come to their rescue.  My family member, on the other hand, had another plan of action.  To be honest, their action plan was alot more biblical than mine (See 1 Corinthians 13 here!).  In my conversation with them, I asked them, why didn’t they just let me get to the person and let them know that they were wrong and needed to apologize.  My family member’s response was classic and one that I will never forget. They said, “How are you helping me by hurting someone that I’m not going to hurt?”  In other words, they were saying to me, follow my example!

WOW!  What an example they’ve set. 

An example is, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a pattern to follow, an instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule.

It is very important to us as believers and representatives of the Kingdom of God to set a great example. We must look to the right examples and we’ve got to be willing to teach others – either verbally or non-verbally – how to be an example to others.  God has also given us wisdom to learn from bad examples of what not to do.

The Bible speaks about being an example often:

  • Paul taught his churches to follow His example (as He followed Christ) (1 Cor. 11: 1)
  • Paul also encouraged young Timothy what to be in example in (in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity). (1 Timothy 4: 12)
  • Jesus shared with His disciples that He’s set an example for them to follow in serving (John 13: 15)
  • Peter wrote how Christ is a great example of how humility and love for people in our living (1 Peter 2:21)

This is just a quick snapshot of scripture.  So, let me end with the question that I asked you at the beginning: Who’s example are you following?

We have a FREE gift for you!

Join the mailing list today!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Share This

Share this post with your friends!