The Example We Set
“Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith,
in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
Influence is something we exert
all the time, whether we realize it or not.
The words we speak, the lives we live, all reflect who we are, our value
system in action, on display for others to observe. Depending on your
relationship with others, the example your influence shows may be imitated by
others, such as friends or family, especially in young children who are very
impressionable and open to input in shaping their morals and ideals. This is
perhaps realized no better than when we reach adulthood and say something that
was repeated to us many times by our parents, and remark, “I’ve become my
mother/father!”
Certainly not every behavior is
attributable to the influence of someone’s example, as each person is a unique
individual and will grow up to make his/her own choices about how to live life.
But one’s example, whether for good or bad, can and often does factor into the
process of shaping the lives of others. I remember a police officer relating a
story to me, having taken a juvenile home for breaking and entering, only to have
the child’s parent lecture the officer and then tell the child he didn’t have
to do anything the officer said. Should we wonder where that child had learned
criminal behavior was acceptable?
The same principle applies
spiritually, as well. How easy it is to shake one’s head at the way things are,
but refuse to look at one’s own influence and example. If you show no respect,
you shouldn’t be surprised when those around are disrespectful. If you show no
love, don’t be surprised when others are unloving. If you reject the authority
of others, don’t be dumbfounded when others reject your influence with them. If
you aren’t an obedient child of God, don’t blame others until you have first
looked at yourself. Most psychologists affirm it is difficult for children to
rise above their parents, as the power of their example works to help shape
their lives.
As a young man, Timothy in the
above Scripture was encouraged by Paul to set a proper example to others, as
well he should. How about those who are older in the faith? Paul urged Titus to remind older men and
women to be positive in their relations with others (Titus 2:2-3). We cannot
imbibe the spirit of the world, and expect those who see us to learn anything
different. While words of encouragement are important, lives of encouragement
are just as important. John reminds us, “Little
children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1
μαράνα θᾶ
Robert
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