“You will not impact the world by faithfully going to church. You will impact the world by faithfully being the church when you go out into the world.”
I’ll be honest—I haven’t always set the best example. But as I’ve grown older, striving to be a positive example has become an intentional goal. We should always remember that someone is watching us, and even Satan looks for opportunities to use our actions against us.
As Christians, we are called, commissioned, and assigned to set an example. This is part of our mission and purpose. By living out our faith, we allow others to see Jesus in us and become curious to know more about Him.
As believers, it is wise to spend time studying the life of Jesus. He spoke truth to the woman at the well, confronted the Pharisees, was honest with Martha, and stood firm against temptation by quoting Scripture to the enemy—all while being the Word Himself. In a world that urges us to speak up and speak out, let’s filter our words through Scripture, striving to be an example for others, and seeking to bring glory to God in every conversation.
I have a friend whom I now call my lifeline. During a challenging time, she gave me wise counsel about how to use my words. By following her example, I felt so much better. She modeled Christlike speech and offered the words Jesus might have used.
Our speech and our actions can be the example that allows others to see Jesus living within us.
All of this is wrapped in love, which is exactly what Jesus commands us to do: love others, love God, and love ourselves.
Can we agree to disagree and still choose love? Of course, this sets the example of love that Christians should show one another, just as God loves His people and His very nature is love. As John 15:9 says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” This is the love we are called to model for other believers: a love that lays down its life for friends (John 15:13); a love that nothing can separate us from in Christ (Rom. 8:35); a love that is genuine, rejects evil, and clings to what is good (Rom. 12:9); a love that does no wrong to a neighbor (Rom. 13:10); and a love that gives, is patient, kind, does not envy or boast, and is not arrogant (1 Cor. 13). This is the love with which we are to set an example as we lead well.
I go to Paul for so many examples. Paul embodied so many of these qualities. It’s remarkable that Paul—who once failed to set a godly example—became a leader and protector of those he served. When God struck Paul down and blinded him, it marked a turning point: Paul repented and stepped forward to serve God wholeheartedly. Once we repent, our past is truly behind us—complete and forgiven in God’s eyes, and it should be in ours, too.
Our church is in a series called Tell Me Your Story. Yesterday, several men spoke about a time in their lives when they were not in a good place, but now they have repented, and they are on fire for Christ.
Many of the people we look up to as examples have experienced real transformations. They changed direction, followed Christ, and became examples for others. Some may have wandered from their faith for a time but ultimately returned and now inspire us by the way they live.
So many different directions we can go with BE THE EXAMPLE, but this scripture reminds us to pray every day to create in me a pure heart and renew the spirit that lives within me.
Psalm 51:10: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
This is a message for all of us: no matter where you are on your journey, you have the power to be the example.
To start being the example, remember:
- Begin every day in the WORD
- SERVE as Jesus serves
- And FILL your cup because only when we fill our cup can we fill other cups
As Father Mike says, I’ll pray for you; you pray for me
As Tara Leigh Cobble says, He’s where the JOY is
And never forget Cupcake loves you, but SO DOES JESUS!
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