"Who Is Your Role Model?"
- Rita Larson
- Jul 18, 2023
- 3 min read
I don't know about you, but I have been blessed with so many role models throughout my life that have been game changers for me. I don't know where I would be if certain people had not crossed my path when they did. For example, I did not grow up in a home where church attendance was a priority. I learned the importance of church attendance through friends at a young age, but really didn't fully understand until I started attending church as an adult. My Pastor's at the time, Jim and Judy, will forever be mentors in my life. Through their faith and obedience, I learned the importance of not only talking the talk, but walking the walk in my Christian faith. As role models for living a "Christlike" and "Christ-centered" life, they were exemplary and several years later, I still find myself reflecting back on things that I learned from them years ago.
To emphasize the importance of having role models or perhaps being a role model, imagine that you are walking alone through a dark forest. It is easy to get lost and feel overwhelmed when you are surrounded by darkness and and not sure which direction you are heading. Now, imagine the difference if you had someone with you that knew the way and could light your path! They were able to show you the right path and keep you safe from harm. In the same way, having a Christlike role model in our life can help us to overcome difficult obstacles and stay on the right path. We all need role models, people to look up to, who provide us with examples of how to live a life that is pleasing to God and brings glory to His kingdom.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). This is the charge that Paul gives in the book of Philippians. As Christians, it is our duty to walk the walk and talk the talk when it comes to being Christlike. It is not enough to simply read the Bible, but we must put the words that we read into action! In order to this, it is helpful to also seek out and find role models who exemplify the life of Jesus.
In Philippians 3:17, Paul writes “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk as ye have us for an ensample.” Here, Paul encourages us to look towards him and other leaders who are striving to follow Jesus as examples of how to live a life of faith. He further emphasizes the need to seek out these role models in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, which says “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.” The importance of fellowship and being involved with church cannot be overstated, as it is in these communities that we are able to find true Christlike role models.
In our lives, role models help us to navigate the difficult waters of life. They guide us in the right direction and provide us with an example to follow. Just as a ship follows the path of a lighthouse, so too must we follow the example of those who are living a life of faith in Jesus. The Bible speaks to the importance of role models in a variety of ways. For example, in Proverbs 13:20 we read “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
The Bible also speaks to the importance of fellowship and community in a variety of ways. In Hebrews 10:25, it says “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Here, we see that it is important to come together and to encourage one another. It is in these communities that we are able to find Christlike role models and learn from them.
As Christians, we need to lead by example and be role models for others. We must walk the walk and talk the talk when it comes to leading a life of faith. No matter where we are in our walk, new, young, or old, we should all seek out Christlike role models and learn from one another. Be sure to participate in fellowship and community within the body of Christ, as it is in these places that we can build strong relationships and learn from one another how to live a Godly life. Let us all strive to be like Paul and not only follow the example of Jesus, but BE the example we are called to be! ©Rita Larson 7/18/2023.
Invitation: If you live in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a church to attend, I would like to invite you to visit ours! www.myrelatechurch.com
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