Bible Thoughts

July 8, 2001

The Christian is not to follow the examples set by the world, but to be an example to all those whom the disciple contacts. At work, at play, at home, at various gatherings, in fact, in all places, we are to set an example of righteousness so that we might influence others to be Christians.

An example is proper, even when we are young. Paul was writing to Timothy, who was still considered a “youth.” Examples, however, are not restricted to those who are young, but cover all Christians. “Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an example”(Philippians 3:17). The brethren are watching us, the family watches us, the neighbors watch us, and the world watches us in our daily behavior. The example that we set becomes the measure by which others decide if we are living as a Christian or living as the world.

Paul told Timothy to be an example “in word.” Speech is a powerful gift from God. It distinguishes man from the rest of creation. Speech allows the power of communication with others. First impressions are usually made by what proceeds from our mouths. Those who listen will hear whether we bring forth “blessing”...or...”cursing”(James 3:10). Jesus taught that one’s speech is an index to the heart(Matthew 15:18). Does our conversation indicate the proper example to our friends, to our brethren, and to strangers?

The example of a righteous person is determined by the “manner of life” that one lives. What others see in my conduct influences their appraisal of me as a person. When the disciple is holy and righteous, faithful to the commands of the Lord, others will observe such a life and conclude, “There is a Christian.” They know, and respect, a righteous example. In truth, the only righteous teaching that many will be exposed to is the life of a disciple. That example is a powerful tool in influencing those who are not righteous. Let each of us resolve to walk the ways of God each day: at work, at play, in the neighborhood and all other places.

The example of a righteous person is reflected “in love.” It is not difficult for others to observe our feelings toward fellow humans. When we interact with people, we demonstrate our attitude toward them. The feeling may be disguised for a while, but it eventually will become apparent. Jesus loved the children of men while he was on the earth(Mark 1:21; John 11:5; John 13:23). It did not matter to the Lord the social standing of the person, the amount of wealth(or lack thereof) one possessed, or the reputation among men, the Lord showed his love to each one. Christ would show his ultimate love by dying for every sinner that would ever live and walk upon this earth. John said, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue: but in deed and truth”(I John 3:18).

The righteous person sets an example to believers and others by “faith.” Faith is the foundation upon which every disciple must build. Our friends know what kind of faith we possess. It is demonstrated by our conduct, attitude, treatment of others, and, above all else, our dedication to the God who made each one of us. Faith leads us to made the correct choices, to put the kingdom first, and to dedicate ourselves to the service of God under all circumstances. One never reaches the point in life that faith cannot be strengthened and demonstrated.

When the disciple walks among men, a life of “purity” is evident. In a world that is drifting further each day from the principles of righteousness taught by the Lord, the example of a clean and pure life is badly needed. As we view the conditions of our present society and its approval of ungodliness, one wonders how long the Lord will permit it to exist. The Lord would have saved Sodom if ten righteous men could be found in the city. Only one righteous man was found. You know the rest of the story. How long will our society exist? Such will be determined by the number who are willing to live a life of purity.

The ungodly examples of those in power, those in the entertainment world, and in all other areas are not the examples to be followed by those who are Christians. Who determines the speech you use? Who determines the clothes you wear? Who determines your type of entertainment? Who determines your attitude toward the things of this life? What examples determine how you live from day to day? The examples of the New Testament and the examples of faithful Christians today should be the standard for every Christian, young or old. Such examples will guide you to an eternal home with God.

Most folks do not like to think about the prospect of dying. And yet, it is an inescapable fact that all of us are under the sentence of death. From the moment of one's birth, such is inevitable. Man is a mortal being, completely depend upon the physical while on earth. Man is a spiritual being as well, but the spirit of man does not die as the flesh. The word death carries the meaning of separation. This is what occurs in death: a separation of the spirit from the physical body. No man has enough learning, enough finances, or enough power to escape death. Each time you pass a cemetery or see a hearse, you are reminded of what will happen to you and to all whom you know. This life is the time to prepare for the separation of the spirit from the body. Are you prepared?

Did you ever try to teach someone who did not want to learn? Having been a public school teacher and administrator in the past, I recognize that you must in some way put into a person a desire to learn. On the other hand, those who want to learn are a pure joy to teach. So it is in regard to the practice of righteousness. Teach one who is interested in doing right and whose desire is to go to heaven, that one will readily accept and digest the words of truth. The wise searcher for truth will be an eager learner. What is your attitude toward learning the Bible? Do you eagerly search the scriptures as did the people at Berea (Acts 17:11)? The wise man follows the example of these noble people and continues to learn of the ways of God each day.