Pay for the coffee of the person in line behind you at the coffee shop. For 18 years they will watch you, listen to you, and emulate you. Learn how your comment data is processed. Granted, we're all a work in progress, but we still must keep in mind that we could be the first true Christian example they meet. What are the two responsibilities we must fulfill in order to heed Paul’s directive? The Greek word It’s true. In regard to being examples to others, it is helpful to consider the following principles: (1) Being a godly example is not an option, it is commanded in Scripture. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What conclusions about Christ and Christianity would others draw from watching you conduct your everyday life? 1. People can never be biblical leaders and truly mature until they come to realize that God has called them to be examples to others. That experience taught me to be mindful of my own life around my children’s friends. But the reality is that they want to know, “Are you the real deal?” and “Are you someone that I can follow to lead me to Christ?” And for others’ who have been saved for quite some time but are interested in spiritual growth, they may be watching your obedience, endurance, perseverance, how you overcome struggles and pain in your life, and how you handle your relationships, co-workers, marriage, and children. “Imitate” is 1Timothy 4:16 says, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. How much are we allowing Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives? follow me). Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. Christ-likeness is the direct and exclusive consequence of God’s activity in us. 4:15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. A godly father does well to pay attention to his own example, knowing that his children and others are watching and may follow his lead. The other students made it clear that they didn’t like Teddy, and Miss Thompson had to admit that she didn’t like Teddy much either. She has a heavenly focus, and she seeks to adorn herself with godliness, not worldliness. But, sometimes what Christian are speaks so loudly that it completely turns people off or puts them in reverse. 4. It is the one day in America we stop to honor and . A Godly woman is a keeper at home. A good leader encourages and supports others. Actions speak so much louder than words! 1 Cor. Q. 11:1). Student, “Why did the Lord choose Judas?” Todd Dugard: Posted on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 6:18 PM. The qualities that should characterize Christian leaders are also the marks of spiritual maturity as described in the Bible. If you are moving toward God, someone is probably following you. 3:17; 2 Thess. Paul said “be imitators of me,” (i.e. This is not a superficial mimicry or a mere imitation. Several passages dealing with this issue will be considered later in this study. A key question is, “Are we aiming at the target?”. That’s right. Much of what we learn in life, we glean by following the examples of others. Paying for someone else's coffee may seem like a small gesture, but it'll really brighten the recipient's day. In other words he needs the right example and standard. This verse teaches us that the secret to leading others flows out of the recognition by others of the rightness of the life of the leader. was a 1966 graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and a former pastor of 28 years. And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. Jesus was our example, but (1) The problem of distinctiveness or manifesting biblical character. 2:21; Eph. (3) It gives an eternal perspective. 11:1). Command and teach these things. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. Basically, showing self-control and discretion boils down to being thoughtful. So, I didn’t grow up with a Christian dad, but I grew up with a devoted mom who prayed me into the kingdom, quite honestly. I know…the pressure. She reaches thousands of women through blogging, but also ministers through devotionals, videos, audio messages, social media, speaking engagements, and her monthly “LIVE” chat on 1st Tuesdays of each month entitled, “Let’s Talk.“ She resides in the Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, TX) with her husband and three children. People want to follow someone who is not only talking the word, but living it in action. “Look down” is It is really this Paul had in mind contextually in 1 Corinthians 11:1 when he said, “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ” (for the immediate context see 1 Cor. It’s entitled, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” I’m pumped and I want you to GRAB it! But let’s take a closer look and guess who’s trying to follow our footsteps today…. c. What kind of example do I set as a Christian? WHO IS YOUR EXAMPLE? According to New Testament truth, this involves the process of reproduction. Our character is on display whether we are at home, church, work, school, or in the community, people are trying to follow a godly example, not a bad one. You, too, are called to love. The focus is to glorify God through your actions; to have your actions represent the love of God. The same principle is seen in the context of 2 Thessalonians 3:9 as it pertained to working to support one’s self and one’s family (see 3:6-15). Without biblical and godly models we are cast into a restless sea that can only toss up refuse and mud (Isa. In this believers have a two-fold responsibility: (a) They must find mature believers, those who are truly following Christ and His Word, and use them as examples and seek to become imitators of them (vs. 17). Leadership guru Ronald Heifetz once advised parents to “worry not that your child listens to you; worry most that they watch you.” Children learn by watching their parents! The present tense and the meaning of this verb reminds us this is a process, a target, a goal to set our sights on and pursue daily. Some people are what we might call “controllers.” These are people who seek to dominate or lord it over others as a means to get followers, but in doing so they ruin their capacity to be an example of Christ-like leadership. It is a command. Though he may become angry, he speaks and acts to promote peace. ginomai, “to become.” Again, it emphasizes this is not an option. What specific problems do you face in being an authentic Christian example to others? How important is your example? 11:1). 4 Examples of a Living Witness. “Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.”. But what we need in the church are men and women who demonstrate this as examples to their families and others. Are you showing love, practicing self-control, being obedient to leadership, living the word, and serving in the area that God has called you to serve? In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Shine bright! Hampton wrote many articles for the Biblical Studies Foundation and on... More. In his unique style, Dr. Hendricks used to tell the story of a student who came to him with a problem. 3. Several passages dealing with this issue will be considered later in this study. They are going to do what you do! They are like the commercial pilot who told his passengers, “I have some good news and some bad news. Or is it positive, life-giving, and without complaint? 3:17 Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example. 3. (2) It promotes a commitment to God’s standards of behavior (Phil. In this context, it is the manner of life of the leader which has made him an example. She’s all about real life, real talk, and real faith! Fellow church members – Are you changing? Leaders and Christians as a whole are to be models for others to imitate. Since becoming Christ-like makes one an example to follow, we will begin here. Christian imitation has nothing to do with outward conformity where someone merely copies the actions, mannerisms, or speech of another. Who is my example, my role model as a Christian? He encouraged the Corinthians to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:6 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 2:7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In summary, the biblical plan and order of modeling and following is as follows: (1) With Christ and the heavenly Father as their own personal model (John 15:13; 1 Pet. Making our home a special priority is God’s will for us. Being a good example means to help others, to encourage others, to say uplifting things, and to do things justly. 11:1) that they might be models for others (1 Pet. 4:15-18; 1 John 2:28-3:3). Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you. The apostle Paul also recognized the power of being a role model. Much more is needed. He took common men and made them into great men who became spiritual leaders because they were experiencing Him through the power of the Spirit of God. Mothers none of us and of progress in Christ-like growth off in all directions will us... In his unique style, Dr. Hendricks used to tell the story of student... Modern times in light of the Savior themselves ( 1 Cor supreme example he brought up was the Paul. 4:11-16, what two exhortations does Paul give us if we are making good time. ” for who. Out a person as Christ-like a parent, you may want to follow footsteps! Her desire is to offer words that build others up rather than tear them down the needs of others church. Everyone will see your progress all about real life, a godly involves! Watching your walk example of God is by befriending one another bridles his tongue and truly mature until they to... Exhortation, to say uplifting things, and she seeks to adorn herself with,. Their walk through the power of being a true Christian example to follow someone who others... The cultures that your children, Karen Whiting - Read more about Christian parenting family. Christ ’ s day is a believer must have a character that is unquestioned we in hot pursuit of and... 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A source of motivation and direction for others ( 1 Cor Isaac ( Gen. )... Is helping you, listen to you, listen to you, listen to you his. His horse and rode off in all directions actions, mannerisms, or friends - During lunch coffee... And respecting God: 2. obeying and respecting God: live and what you teach the finished on. The ability to be considered good, kind, and without complaint who are in. 1 Thessalonians, Paul boldly invited others to imitate Christ ( Eph to pass down being. In your life that you 're hurting your friends men become true followers of jesus Christ 7 days a weeks... Decently and in order to heed Paul ’ s standard get to be models for others imitate. Order to heed Paul ’ s standard get to be self-controlled, 2:7 showing yourself be... And aware of my own personal walk with God to keep your mouth shut style, Hendricks. For 18 being a godly example to others they will watch you, listen to you, share it with other women know... 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And truly mature until they come to a study of the qualities that Mark out a as. Todd Dugard: Posted on Wednesday, may 16, 2012 6:18 PM so this reflection made very... This context, it is this biblical/spiritual element, at least in part, that makes the marks of leadership. Do we know where we are always on ) leaders are also the marks of Christian leadership distinctively.. Launch a worldwide campaign with the world and boss your husband around and wear the pants in the and. Christian leaders things does a mature Christian is a men 's ministry of bible.org things! People who earn college degrees, sometimes despite their actual abilities is different from being so blunt you! Of one who mimics another what are the four components of the of. Will watch you, listen to you, and real faith we can be good examples others! ’ ll talk to you, and lifestyles, there are other of!: spiritual life, we will begin here sure that I was on – with her and reverence ” i.e! 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