How To Become An Extraordinary Example Now

Brethren According to Titus 2:7 “Always set a good example for others”. Be a good role model for them to follow. Afterall there are many people who we influence. So, the influence can be good, or it can be bad. Paul advices us in 1 Corinthian 5:11” … not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.”

BE AS CHRIST

Have you ever been around “Christians”, who goes about doing things that do not appear Christian at all? Maybe they use God’s name in vain or use dirty language. Maybe they are superstitious, spread malicious gossip or are cruel to others especially the poor and needy. I know It takes a lot of effort to change who we are and it is almost impossible when we refuse to separate ourselves from bad influences.

Remember according to 1 john 4:20 Paul says, “Whoever says, “I love God,” but hates another believer is a liar. People who don’t love other believers, whom they have seen, can’t love God, whom they have not seen”. So, what kind of example are you to other around you?

As Christians, we are taught to be lights to the world. Scripture reads, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We hear the words, we know what they mean, but do we really consider how much of an impact they have? How we act—our example is very important to God. Why? Because we are examples of who God is, what His character is like.

We are to be the light of the world “unbelievers”. By allowing others to see our light it can lead them to find Christ. God is going to use us to save some people in our lives. That doesn’t mean we are to try to act religious and put on a front in front of others, but we are to imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.So, Teach them by example. Remember  the best testimony is not what we say to others, it’s how we live our lives.

Anyone trying to discourage you is trying to do so because they factually mean you harm or are seeking to serve their own ends. Down deep, they will respect you.

Don’t discount the effect you can achieve on others simply by mentioning these things and setting a good example in your own right. Even if they seem like they don’t care unbelievers are always watching us. Not only should we be a role model to outsiders and other believers, but we should be a good example for our children.Children tend to pick up on what they see. If they see bad, they’re going to do bad and if they see good they’re going to do good. Paul advices us in John 13:15 “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you”.

We should fix our eyes on Jesus who is the ultimate role model. We are to mirror His goodness, forgiveness and love towards all people. It is not always easy to do, but it is what God wants from us. We are God’s children and meant to stand apart from the world. The just will have lived as God commanded and have been a good example to those around them. “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

We as true Christians are to live differently. To be incorruptible, reverent, loving, temperate, etc. (Titus 2:1-8). It is also true that if we are living as good examples, but spend all our time with those who are corrupt, we will eventually fall into trouble (1 Corinthians 15:33). God understands that people tend to act and do as those around them, which is why He warns us to avoid such relationships. Think about it. That’s how traditions start, how habits develop and why we tend to use the same gestures and words our closest friends and family use. It comes upon us slowly and sometimes even surprises us when we do or say something out of character.

 According to 3 John 1:11“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God” Paul reminds us to not “let our good be spoken of as evil” (Romans 14:16). This can happen when we slip up in what we say and do. Others often look for bad in us.

If we go along doing well in their eyes and then stumble by speaking evil of another, or swearing when they have never heard us do so, or do anything “unbiblical” in front of them, they often erase all the good we have done and focus on that one bad thing. That is why it is so important to make changes that change who we are internally.

According to 1 Peter 2:12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.Knowing this, we must be even more aware of how we treat others who are not close to us or that do good towards us. Are we being a good example to all? (Luke 6:33).

It needs to come naturally for us. We must internalize the behavior and be genuine in it (Psalms 37:27). If we don’t, people will see right through our false behaviour. “therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians6:10). It has to become our second nature.

Of course, I know that none of us is perfect. But we are to continually strive to be so (Matthew 5:48). It is a learning process. Psalms 18:32 tells us it is God who gives us the strength to get there. And Galatians 3:3 tells us we are being made perfect by the Holy Spirit. Without God’s help, we could never master it, but the intention to do so must begin with us.

We must take the first steps to be all that God would have us to be if we want to be a part of the glorious future He has planned for us. Being a good example to others might be alittle difficult but the God require us to do so in 1 Peter 2:21 For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

Pastor Nathaniel