Setting an Example

Our children are quite a blessing to my wife and I. There are several phrases that make it into our daily language, such as, "hurry up", "use your words", and many, many more. One phrase that our five-year-old daughter hears almost everyday is "act like a five year old". You see, she has two younger brothers and often finds herself struggling to fill the oldest child role that she was born into.

I have to say that both of our sons receive more positive attention than she does and it is common that we point out their cute antics and laugh at their childish behavior. Because of this additional attention to the younger two, our oldest commonly tries to act much like them in an attempt to receive attention.

Just the other day we were paying visits to the grandparents and, when it came time to leave, she began to act like a two-year-old. We reminded her of her actual age and yet she continued to act out, and was soon disciplined for her childish actions. Why do we discipline her? Because she knows better and  because she is smarter and more mature than her behavior was showing.

As we made our way to the car we began to talk with her about her actions and that, as the oldest. she is to act in a way that leads the younger two rather than allowing their actions to lead her. We pointed out that her younger brothers want to be just like her and often follow her around, doing the exact same things that she does. She is to act in such a way that her words, actions, and behavior makes them want to be like her.

This is true for each one of us, whether we are the old or the young, whether we are the boss or the worker, whether we are surrounded by people constantly or feel like we are alone most of the time. Each one of us are called to live a mature life and to lead others through our example, through our words and actions.

This applies to the follower of Christ as well. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  (1 Tim. 4:12) Likewise, followers of Jesus Christ are called to be in the world but not of the world, they are called to set an example for the world but not to become like the world. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to act in such a way that their words, actions, and behavior makes others want to follow after them, and after Jesus.

So, are you leading by example or are you following the example of others? Are you looking to Jesus and following His example for the way you should live your life or are you following the example set forth by the world and those who are in this world. Remember, focus on Jesus and the things that shouldn't matter won't matter any longer.