Whether we like it or not, someone is watching us. I tell my senior class all the time to be very careful what they do because the younger students think everything a high school student does is at least "cool," if not right, and they will try to emulate it, even if it will put them in danger. The same is true in families, in business, and in the church. People will try to be like those they see and admire, particularly those in positions of authority. The old saying, "Do as I say and not as I do" doesn't wash with God. Remember what Jesus said to the Pharisees and teachers of the law in Matt. 23.
Throughout the scriptures we are encouraged to set a good example: "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13:13-15); "Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ" (I Corinthians 11:1); "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life" (I Timothy 1:16); "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" (I Timothy 4:12); "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.' When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness" (I Peter 2:21-24a). Christ is our ultimate example, and we are to represent Him to the best of our ability before the world--represent, not substitute. The world is watching.
2:1 But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:
2:2 that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:
2:3 that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
2:4 that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
2:5 `to be' sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:
2:6 the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded:
2:7 in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine `showing' uncorruptness, gravity,
2:8 sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
2:9 `Exhort' servants to be in subjection to their own masters, `and' to be well-pleasing `to them' in all things; not gainsaying;
2:10 not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Lord, teach me to set a good example for those You send my way today. Amen
2:3 Bid the older women likewise to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good,
Follow this blog
