“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1, NIV).
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ISSUE #12
October 1, 2014
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The Gift of a Good Example
In recent weeks two NFL players have made the news, not because of outstanding plays on the field, but for their alleged criminal behavior off the field. This is not exclusive to football players. Yesterday I was made aware of a former Olympic swimmer who was arrested for DUI. Of course, we all know that these stories probably would not have made the national news if these people were not in the limelight. For the record, I have never been arrested for DUI, child abuse, or domestic violence. If I had, however, I’m sure that it would not make the national news.
I have heard some famous athletes, when interviewed, state that it is not their desire to be a role model. That it is not their responsibility to set a good example for their young fans. Although they have the right to their opinion, the reality is that everyone sets an example for someone. When I was a teenager in high school I looked up to a young man, who was a police officer, named Milt. I looked up to him because in my mind he was the type of adult that I wanted to become. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and he was a follower of Christ. When I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps I looked up to NCOs and commissioned officers who set good examples of what a Marine should be like. As a college student I looked up to older students and professors who set good examples for me to follow.
One of the things that I have learned over the years is that everyone sets an example for someone. The question that remains is what kind of examples are we going to set for those who are looking at us.
Thomas Morell (1703-1784) said “The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example.” As a follower of Christ my first responsibility is to follow the example that was set by Jesus when he walked on Earth. As Jesus faced his final days on this planet he met with his Apostles for a last meal. We know this meal as “The Last Supper”. In preparation for that meal Jesus acted as both host and servant by washing the feet of his disciples. Although this is a cultural custom, no longer necessary because most of us don’t walk dusty roads with sandaled feet, it was usually reserved for the lowest of household servants. After Jesus had finished washing his disciples’ feet, he told them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). If Jesus, the leader of the group, could lower himself to serve those who followed him, how much more is it appropriate for us to serve others?
The Apostle Paul understood his responsibility to not only follow the example that Jesus set for him, but also to set an example for those who followed Jesus because of him. He told a group of Christ followers in the city of Corinth, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He told a group of disciples in Ephesus, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1). Paul did not want clones of himself, however. He told the believers in Philippi, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17). Notice that in addition to himself and those with him, he also wanted the Philippian believers to keep their “eyes on those who live as we do”.
As I looked up to people older than me when I was a teen, I’m sure there were younger people looking to me for an example. Paul told Timothy that even though he was young, he still had a responsibility to set a good example. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Regardless of what you do, where you live, or how old you are, you are setting an example to those who observe you. Politicians set an example. Athletes set an example. Preachers and teachers set an example. If you are an employer you set an example. If you are an employee you set an example. If you work in customer service you set an example. And if you are a customer you set an example. Again, the question is what kind of example are you going to set; good or bad. To Titus, Paul said, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8).
Jesus was a leader who was a servant. If we want to be effective leaders we also must be servant leaders. If we want to be respected leaders we must be servant leaders. There are many “bosses” who are obeyed because they are feared. There are some “bosses” who manage by pushing people from behind. But a true leader, an effective leader, leads from the front. An effective leader does not push; he/she is followed. The Apostle Peter told first century church leaders something that is not only applicable to church leaders today, but to leaders in any capacity. He writes, “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-3).
In the United States of America we are more familiar with cowboys than we are with shepherds. Cowboys push the cattle to where they want them to go. In the Middle East people are more familiar with shepherds. Shepherds lead the sheep to where they want them to go. Christ was known as the Good Shepherd. We are challenged by Jesus, Paul, and Peter to lead by example as we follow the example set by Jesus and his Apostles.
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