A Good Role Model

In light of the recent events with Miley Cirus and her disregard to her Christian Testimony I began to think about what would be a good role model. I am extremely outraged by her actions because she destroyed any kind of respect I had for her and her stand on morale values. So what does the Bible say how we should pick our role models and even be one ourselves?

We are in crisis in our country. It seems that there is a short supply of role models. Charles Barkley, years ago, when asked about his influence over younger kids simply said, "I am not a role model!" I looked up the term leader and role model on the internet and found 47 synonyms. It seems we have many words for leader but few to be found among the living.
Unfortunately, many of our young people have to look to athletes and popular musicians to find their examples. I believe this crisis exists in our country, politics to be specific, our homes, and yes, even our churches. It seems every time we find someone to look up to, idolize if you will, something comes out to indicate a flawed lifestyle. I am convinced we need more leaders to demonstrate how to live life with integrity and character. These words imply wholeness in living. In other words, what you say and do match in your daily living.
I am reminded of 2 Timothy and the role a mother played in her son’s life. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:5,

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Timothy’s idols, role models, and leader examples were his grandmother Lois, his mother, Eunice, and of course, Paul. Scripture clearly indicates that these individuals were godly examples of what a person of faith should look, sound, and act like. Paul attributes Timothy’s sincere faith to the godly influence found at home. So what did this faith look like and what should it look like in our role models life and our lives if we are to be "godly" role model for others.

Paul tells us that to present ourselves as one approved, a godly role model, we must avoid evil.

Simply put, there are behaviors that are to be avoided that would indicate we are not of God. To be godly influences we must avoid the following.

The first is godless chatter. Paul says, "more and more ungodly" and "it will spread like gangrene’. It was used in the ancient world diseases that spread quickly and even referred to cancer. You can’t get more destructive than that! Godless chatter would include gossiping and murmuring which are listed along side the sins of adultery, witchcraft, and murder. Which to us seem much greater sins. The opposite of godless chatter is godly instruction and encouragement.

The second is, avoid the evil desires of youth. Most if us wouldn’t mind having a little younger age but Paul says when it comes to spirituality, avoid it. But this passage refers to being impulsive, acting on testosterone instead of prayer and discipline.  Timothy was fairly young when this letter was written. Paul was well aware how quickly a young man could and would react irrationally. Paul says avoid it.

Paul also gives us some "dos" concerning the godly life and example we should set for others and here is where I would like to focus the majority of this blog.

First, be Bible smart. Be knowledgeable in what the Bible says. An old quote by Mark Twain concerning scripture said, "A Bible that is worn usually belongs to a person that is not." When it comes to godly living you can’t ignore the instruction manual. Charles Spurgeon said,

“We are walkers through the city of this world, and we are often called to go out into its darkness; let us never venture there without the light giving word, lest we slip with our feet. Each man should use the word of God personally, practically, and habitually, that he may see his way and see what lies in it. When darkness settles down upon all around me, the word of the Lord, like a flaming torch, reveals my way.”

A good role model is one that follows the outline presented in God’s word.

Second, do not be ashamed. If you are ashamed to live the life God lays out for you, you can never be an example to others. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16,

Matthew 5

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.'

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.'

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.'

Jesus said we are to be the light of the world so that our good works can be seen by others not so we can be glorified, but God.

Secondly, we are to be ready for service or whatever God may bring.

Paul said the first step in being ready for service is to cleanse ourselves.

2 Timothy 2

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work.

If you are not already a believer you must first come to Christ. Jesus said if we call upon His name we shall be saved.  If you are already a believer you are to get rid of the junk, time wasting habits, improper speech, and of course sin in your life. Fortunately, I John 1:9 says, if we confess, it is done.

After we are cleansed we are to make ourselves available to God. We are to be prepared to do any good work, especially influencing others. These would include kindness and gentle instruction.

Finally, remain faithful. Be true to the task in whatever God puts before you. Paul lists several steps along with those mentioned in living a godly influential life. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 says,

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

He mentions 3 things. Live in Him, endure in Him, and He is faithful even when you are not. Live in Jesus by receiving Him into your life through repentance and faith. Endure in Him by equipping yourself daily through His word. And finally, remain faithful.

Are you ready to begin being the instrument, the role model, that God intended for your life? It is never too late to start no matter what’s in your past. I am sure you can name one person who looks up to you. Isn’t it time you began leading in the right direction.

When you are not, remember that it is all about the resurrection power of Jesus in your life not your power or goodness which leads to salvation. You are saved by grace, not of yourself.

We can apply this to our lives to be good role models and use it as a guideline in searching for good role models.

Lord Bless