Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, …Titus 2:7 (ESV)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter2:21 (ESV)
Who is your role model? As humans, we always will look to other human beings as role models. And that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Other people we look up to can be very inspiring on how we should live our lives. They are not perfect (no human born into sin will be perfect) but, if they are consistently seeking to be good, morally upright, Godly individuals, then these are people we can definitely seek to model after.
Now, seeking good role models is not the issue. It becomes an issue when the people we idolize/look up to, do not model good behavior and Godly standards. There are many people in pop culture that are extremely popular, entertainment figures such as actors, singers, sports personalities, business leaders, etc. A lot of people will look to them as role models because of their popularity and will overlook their characters and how they conduct themselves on a consistent basis. This can become a problem for the individual looking up to them, as well as their concentric circle of family, friends, and acquaintances whom they influence. This is especially true if the person being influenced starts incorporating the bad behaviors of their role model. Instead of spreading love, goodness, and holiness, they are spreading disinformation, lies, hate, and divisiveness.
I say all the time to look to the Bible for good role models and this is true however, there are also bad role models listed in there as well. The Bible gives us examples of people to follow and emulate, and those not to follow due to their behavior and their choices. So, what was true in Bible times is true for us today, looking to follow people who are seeking to consistently choose to have integrity in everything they say and do, as their normal way of interacting in this world. And actually, the one person listed in the Bible we all should follow and seek to emulate is Jesus Christ. As Christians, that is what our title means: to be Christ-like in all we say and do.
So, as we go forward in life, may we seek to first and foremost have Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit as role models for all of us to follow. May we seek to live our lives so that others will see Godly characteristics in us. We too are role models for others, whether we know it or not. None of us are perfect but, if we intentionally strive to live with integrity and God’s precepts, we can be good role models for those who come behind us.
Blessings,
Angélique
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