When we were young; we would look to our parents or those with whom we may be living
for our example. We may all have heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words,” which can be applied to our example being stronger than our words. Another saying, “the best lesson ever taught was not by words, but by their life.” The apostle Paul wrote, “for you are known and read of all men” (2 Cor.3:2). We may be the only Bible that someone will ever read by our actions. Are we worthy of having our lives read?
Paul wrote, “that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye were called” (Eph.4:1). This simply teaches that we should not only call ourselves Christians, but we must live the life that is worthy of being called a Christian. All Christians shine as lights to this crooked and perverse generation (Phil.2:15). We may win others by our behavior(1 Pet.3:1-2).
We are examples to all around us. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt.5:16). Are we doing good works to those around us?
The world will judge Christianity by us. The apostle Peter wrote for us, “Having your conversation [manner of life-SH] honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet.2:12). The apostle to the Gentiles, Paul in writing to a young preacher, Timothy, explained the various ways that he is an example: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word [what we say], in conversation [manner of life-SH], in charity [love], in spirit [attitude], in faith, in purity” (1Tim.4:12). We cannot help being an example. There is always someone watching us, even when we are not aware. However, we can choose what kind of example we want to be. Are we trying to have godly homes? Are we trying to live for Christ? Are we trying to reach out and invite someone to a worship service? Can we echo the words of Paul in our lives, “be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor.11:1)?
We also set our example for those around us, by our study habits of the Bible (2
Tim.2:15). Every one of us needs to take a special interest in our own spiritual maturity. Our prayer life is one of special interest in growing as a Christian should (1 Thes.5:17).
However, it is so sad that we may only pray when we see something bad has happened, or will happen. We need to be constant in praying at all times, good or bad. Can someone really look at us, and tell that we are Christians, by our lives? Are we trying to follow the example of Christ (1 Pet.2:21)? What can we improve? The value of an example is worth more than anything money can buy.
Stephen H.