My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. Psalm 71:7 (NLT)
We cannot escape the fact that our lives are on display for others to observe and judge. Celebrities and athletes have tried to claim that they are not role models, but that does not negate the influence that they have over others. A message that is not consistent with character and behavior will be viewed as hypocrisy.
Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way, “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” As Christ-followers, the example we set will go before anything that we say. How we respond to the pressures and trials of life speaks volumes. It will either give credibility to our message, or cause people to dismiss us without a second thought.
The weight of having our lives on display for others will at times be a burden. Paul said, Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. 1 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT)
Yet Paul knew that how he responded to adversity would have impact and so he went on to say, We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil things are said about us. 1 Corinthians 4:12–13 (NLT)
We will not always be treated fairly. Remember, we are not alone. There will be times when we will not set a good example but ask for forgiveness and get ready for the next opportunity. God is faithful, and he is with us.
We Have an Example
I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. John 13:15 (NLT)
Even as Jesus was facing the cross, he gave an example to follow. In contrast to anyone who thinks they have risen to a place of prominence, and feel entitled to be served, Jesus assumed the posture of a servant.
The temptation to think that we are entitled to deference and accommodation is powerful. Our capacity for rationalization is without limit. Whether we think we have earned it, or we view it as God’s blessing, we must exercise caution. If Jesus remained a servant, who are we to think that we should be served by others?
It really is all about attitude. If we have the attitude that certain tasks are beneath our level of respect or dignity, we will fail to exhibit adherence to the example that Christ gave us. We must not choose to not do certain tasks because we think they are beneath us, but we must set an example for others in serving:
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25–28 (NLT)
It is easier to talk about servant leadership than it is to be a servant leader. Countless books have been written, offering different perspectives, but it really comes down to one thing: humility!
Live with Consistency
Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 1 Timothy 4:11–13 (NLT)
Paul was instructing Timothy to be consistent. It wasn’t enough to be a good preacher or teacher. How Timothy lived and conducted himself would either lend credibility to his message or detract from it.
In Matthew 23, Jesus had some choice words for the religious leaders of the day. He exposed the inconsistency between what they were telling other people to do and their own actions. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. Matthew 23:3 (NLT)
It wasn’t that they were teaching incorrectly, but that their own lives did not measure up to what they were saying. It was all about the show. They wanted places of prominence and recognition. By their actions they proved that they did not care about anything except themselves. Paul gave us this instruction: Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)
Be the Example
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. Philippians 3:17 (NLT)
At the Last Supper Jesus told his disciples to follow his example. As we learn from Scripture, we too can follow the example of Christ. But the example of those who lead us carries much weight. Protégés imitate their mentors. It may not be consciously, but students can adopt the mannerisms, gestures, and expressions of their teachers.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
It was not egotism that caused Paul to say, “follow my example.” Paul was not perfect. None of us are, but if we cannot recommend to others that they follow our example, we shouldn’t be in ministry. It is problematic if we tell people to do what we tell them to do, but not to do as we do.
Remember, we will always be an example. Let’s be examples of what to do and how to live our lives rather than be an object lesson of failure and inconsistency.
Steve Ekeroth