Role Models

Saint Paul wrote something in the Bible that challenges me every time I read it.  He said,

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

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  1 Corinthians 11:1

How many of us would feel like we were really giving the best advice to someone if we told them to think as we think, speak as we speak, and act as we act?  Really? 

Maybe in certain aspects and certain areas of life but what about when we are tired and stressed and angry and fearful and worried and …. Well the list goes on. 

As much as I pray to be someone who models the lifestyle Jesus came to show us, I know how often and how far I fall short.  I take comfort in the fact that we are reminded in God’s word that:

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:23

I don’t ever want to let that fact of all of us falling short of the mark keep me from coming to God and giving my best effort, owning up to the failures that are mine, asking for forgiveness, taking responsibility to make things right.

I’m grateful for role models in my life of those who did their best in their ordinary lives to be solid followers of Jesus Christ and who took time to listen to me and speak to me, and with both their lives and their words, demonstrate what a life of integrity and service looked like.

Lord, the list of those who have lived lives that are a role model for us is long.  I’m grateful for my grandad John Thornton who I didn’t get to know too much but who everyone speaks about with such respect for how he spoke to You and lived his life before You.  He was a role model to many.

But Lord today, the challenge is there for each of us to be a role model for those who are around us and coming after us. 

Oh Spirit of God, we’re hopeless without You but in the power of Your love, we can do so much more than we can imagine.  Amen

Let’s have a great day showing the way of God to others around us in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.