There is a place of service for everyone of us, old or young, rich or poor. That place of service is to be an example to others. We may not think of it as a place of service, but the scripture is clear that the way of living a life under the authority and rule of the Lord Jesus Christ is expected. It’s also clear by examples given of what to do and examples of what not to do. We all benefit from the life of someone to whom we have looked as an example of a true Christian. Could you say what Paul said?
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) — 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
The call to be an example is repeated enough to include leaders in the church, those who are suffering, and really the application of the call to be an example would include everyone. Therefore, nobody can avoid the admonition to be an example.
1 Peter 5:1–3 (ESV) — 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
If you are a leader in the church, how would you feel if those you are leading would follow your example? How would you, as a parent, feel if your children followed your example?
Sadly, there are many who set some bad examples to their children during their formative years that actually taught their children to disrespect the Lord’s Day by not giving it the dignity for which God demands, by demeaning people in the church through roasting the pastor and others through excessive criticism, and by not being involved in prayer and other meetings of the church. In other words, there are many children who have left the church due to the poor examples of their parents.
Before we go any further into this important subject, let’s consider the words of the Lord Jesus Christ to those who do not take the call to be an example seriously and thereby teach something false through wrong impressions versus those who give a good example of serving God.
Mark 9:41–42 (ESV) — 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. 42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
Jesus was the best example in many ways which is why we are told to follow His example. After He washed the disciples’ feet, demonstrating the ultimate in humble service, He said:
John 13:15 (ESV) — 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Paul carries on with the need to follow Jesus’ example in showing preference to others above our own needs.
Philippians 2:4–8 (ESV) — 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
What would it be like if your friends, children, and fellow church members saw that attitude in you?
Of course, the Bible makes it clear that some have presented bad examples to avoid, like those who sinned and did not enter the promised land or those who murmured and complained against Moses in the wilderness.
Hebrews 4:11 (ESV) — 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
1 Corinthians 10:6 (ESV) — 6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.
It should be noted that if you are suffering you have a unique opportunity to be an example to those who will be suffering down the road.
James 5:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
What does your life really say about the Christian life? Is it a drudgery to follow Jesus, marked by an eye on the world so much that you miss opportunities to glorify God? Do you enjoy worship enough that people know it, or is your life marked by missing more opportunities than making? Do you prepare for worship or just show up? Are you prompt and arrive on time, or are you regularly late? Do you come prepared in thought, and dress as to be in the presence of God – which you are?
Even children need to be taught to be an example to their siblings and other children in the church, which is why they need to be taught to respect the house of the Lord. Going back to a previous point, however, many children have developed bad habits regarding the church and her building because parents have set a bad example in many ways.
Paul admonished Timothy who was young, granted he was not a child, nevertheless as a younger member of the church, the admonition given to him is quite applicable:
1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) — 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
What would it be like if parents and church leaders were so conscientious of setting an example that they would teach their children the importance of being an example?
Things would be much different for sure.
Thankfully, as we all can see the need to repent from times when we haven’t been a good example and may have led others down the wrong path as a result, God forgives as we turn to Him in repentance. Admitting to those, who your bad example led astray, then praying for the grace to change.
Proverbs 28:13 (ESV) — 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Are you being a good example?
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
