You should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. -- 1 Timothy 4: 12
What comes to mind when you think about a role model? Some would think of celebrities, actors, actresses, your pastor, a family friend, or overall just someone that others look up to. I mean I'm sure we all have someone in our life that we can honestly see as a role model. For some of us, this could even be your mom or dad. But have you ever really stopped to see what the word role model really means? Let's take a quick look at what a dictionary says a role model is.
Role Model- Noun: A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
A person looked to by other...as an example to others. Hmmm... go back up and read the Bible verse in 1 Timothy. You might find a few similarities with this definition and that Bible verse. God calls Christians to be role models in Christ to shine His light to others. I'm sure for most of you, this is not any new news. But I have a crazy idea for you, that you might want to spend some time thinking about this month.
Have you ever maybe thought that YOU could be setting an example for someone else?
Honestly, I don't think this question comes to mind very often. We know that our little sisters or brothers tend to look up to us. We know that we have other people we look up to. But have we ever really stopped to think that we are setting an example for someone else? I know for me, I really never thought about it. Maybe you're in the same boat too. Stop and think for a second. Do you go to church, or youth group? You are setting an example there. Walk into Wal-mart? You're setting an example there too. Go to the local mall with your friends? More examples being set.
The thing is, we can set a good example, or a bad example. Of course, as Christians, we want to strive to set good examples everywhere we go that will shine all of the glory back on God. Sometimes it is easy to get trapped into the lie that we don't set an example for anyone. But believe it or not, you are setting an example to many, many people. You just might not know it yet, but you are. :) I wanted to take this post to encourage you today. We are all setting an example, but what kind of example are we setting? We want to strive to be setting a Godly example in everything we do. You never know who you just might be setting an example for.
You have a very strong point about being an example for someone. I do know that my little sister and brother (ages 7 and 4) look up to me. If I am exercising in the living room, they will do the same and mimic each movement. I also know that my older sister looks to me as an example, though not always the best one. I can't imagine others that would look at me like that, but I hope someone sees the good that I do in Jesus' name and finds some hope in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great devotional!
You're very welcome! (: Oh I know what you mean by your siblings following your example. Sometimes they follow your example in the most unexpected way! It is kinda hard to believe that others would look to us to be an example for them, but you never know who you could be impacting. (:
ReplyDeleteJelli