The Power of Following the Right Example

“You are blessed whenever you follow my example.”

John 13:17 (GW)

Everybody has an example they follow. The question is whose example am I following?

If I don’t decide who my model will be in life, then other people will decide it for me, like the media, culture, friends, or coworkers. People will often try to tell me how to live my life.

But God is the only one who should be telling me how to live my life. And the only perfect example is Jesus Christ.

There are many people who after turning 40, discovered that they had based their life on an inconsistent and ineffective model because they were looking at the wrong example. One could be in, “Climbing the ladder of success, but after reaching the top realize that the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall! An investment of time in the wrong thing.” 

Jesus was able to get fishermen to drop their nets and follow him? He had the power to feed more than 5,000 people with a basket of bread and fish. He had the influence to upset the status quo of the whole Roman Empire.

Jesus wasn’t a wimp. He wasn’t a lot of things we don't make him out to be in our minds. He was the most counter-cultural revolutionary you could imagine, who led perfectly with grace and compassion and justice. It takes humility to follow that kind of Savior.

Everywhere Jesus went, he told people to follow him. He never said to follow a principle or a program or even a religion—but a person. He said, “You are blessed whenever you follow my example” (John 13:17 GW). 

Following Jesus involves a relationship. God wants me to know him personally! He sent Jesus so I could know him and love him for exactly who he is—the perfect example for me to follow.

In summary:

Everyone follows an example in life, whether intentionally or by default through influences like culture, media, or peers. But the only perfect and reliable model is Jesus Christ. Many people later realize they’ve spent years chasing success or approval based on flawed examples, only to find themselves unfulfilled. Jesus calls us not to follow a religion or set of rules, but to follow him—a revolutionary leader who embodied grace, justice, and humility. True blessing comes from choosing to follow his example and building a personal relationship with him, the only one truly worthy of leading our lives.

How to Be a ‘Show and Tell’ Christian

In Colossians 3:17 it says, “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” (NLT

God has put specific people in my life for a reason. I am God’s representative to them! If I don’t tell them about God’s love and offer of salvation, then who will?

God put me in my unique circumstances to share the Good News (Gospel) with relatives, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. They need to hear that God has a purpose for them and wants them to be part of his family. But he’s not going to write it in the sky for them. He’s not going to send them an email. He’s already sent me. He wants me to learn to be more like him so I can show others what he’s like—forgiving, compassionate, patient, and faithful. 

The Bible is very clear about this: “Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Take care of your own business, and do your own work . . . If you do, then people who are not believers will respect you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NCV).  

We need Christians who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. Faithful Christians don’t just say what they believe. They try to live so that others see the hope and joy that come from knowing Jesus. They are “show and tell” Christians. They tell the Gospel with their mouths, and they show the Gospel with their lives.

“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17 NLT).  

The most dangerous prayer you could pray is two words: “Use me.” Use me to show your love to people who don’t know that you love them. Use me to show your purpose to people who don’t know that you have a purpose for their lives.”  

That kind of prayer can change the world—but the change starts in our communities and with the people we know and love.  They won’t know unless we show them.

This means I need to bring honor to Christ in every aspect and activity of my daily life. As a Christ follower, I represent Christ at all times, whatever I do, and whatever I say. What impression do people have of Christ when they see or talk with me? What changes do I need to make in my life in order to honor Christ?

God has called me (and each of us) to be a minister. I do everything for two reasons: one to help others and the other to honor God. No matter what my job is, I am to work at helping others and honoring God. As long as my motivation is right, even menial tasks become important when I do them out of love for God.

Leaving a Legacy of Hospitality

In Hebrews 10:24 I read, “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.” (NCV)

Awesome families teach their kids that they’re not the center of the universe. They teach their kids that God made them and shaped them for a mission. They model dedication, service, generosity, and prayer. Average families don’t do those things. Awesome families do. So, instill the value of caring about other people to others.

Grow up learning and teach a “give your life away” attitude. Teach others that life’s not about them; but rather it’s about helping others. 

Teach each other to show love and to do good deeds—to minister and to serve.    

A good example of this is Cornelius’s family in the book of Acts: “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly” (Acts 10:2 NIV).

God wants me to leave a legacy like that. I’ll find people younger in age—or younger in the faith—all around me. Will I take the time to help others become what God has made them to be? Take time today to help them discover God’s mission for their life.

In summary, teach others that they are not the center of the universe. Teach them that God made them and shaped them for a mission. They are too model dedication, service, generosity, and prayer. Instill the value of caring about other people to others. Learn and teach a “give your life away” attitude. Teach others that life’s not about them; it’s about helping others.  Teach each other to show love and to do good deeds—to minister and to serve.  A good example of this is Cornelius’s family. “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly”. God wants me to leave a legacy like that. Will I take the time to help others become what God has made them to be? Take time today to help them discover God’s mission for their life.

I need to be concerned for others, to help one another to show love and to do good. I have a significant privilege associated with my life in Christ: (1) I have personal access to God through Christ and can draw near to him without an elaborate system; (2) I may grow in faith, overcome doubts and questions, and deepen my relationship with God; (3) I may enjoy motivation from others; (4) I may worship together with others. So I need to show other consideration and assistance, help them out, show love and do good. 

Leaving a Great Example Instead of a Big Inheritance

In review of Ecclesiastes 5:15 it says, “We leave this world just as we entered it—with nothing. In spite of all our work there is nothing we can take with us” (GNT).

I shouldn’t depend on money to make myself happy. Instead use what I have for the Lord. God wants me to view what I have with the right perspective, that my possessions are a gift from Him. I need to focus more on the giver than the gift. I can be content with what I have when I realize that with God I have everything I need. And at the end of this life, I won't take anything with me. Therefore it's good to eat, drink, and enjoy work during the short life given to me and to accept my lot in life. It's a good thing to receive wealth from God and good health to enjoy it. To enjoy my work and accept my lot in life, is indeed a gift from God.

If I don’t get any credit for my wealth when I get to heaven and I’m going to leave it all behind, then what is the purpose of amassing it here on earth?

Some might say they intend to leave their fortune to their kids. But studies have shown that most of the time, inherited wealth does more damage than good to the next generation.

A few years ago Inc. magazine published an article about whether parents should pass their money on to the next generation. They interviewed children of entrepreneurs, many of whom said they would prefer their parents leave them the knowledge of how to get money rather than the money itself. In other words, they didn’t want the result of their parents’ labor. They wanted an example of their labor. They understood that you can’t appreciate what you don’t work for. Inherited wealth tends to breed irresponsibility.

Nobody had more to leave his family than King Solomon in the Old Testament. He acquired more wealth than almost anyone else in history. He left everything to his son—his wealth, his rule, his power, his treasures. But as I read, I find it ruined his son’s life. Rehoboam was a moral washout who couldn’t handle what he hadn’t worked for himself.

It is not a sin to want to make more money. It is not wise, however, to stockpile more money than I need so that I can leave it to somebody who may not be able to handle it.

Instead, I need to learn to use my money wisely now. Spend the money I have—whether it’s a little or a lot—on getting more people into heaven. Rather than leaving my children a large inheritance that they won’t know how to handle, leave them an example of generosity. When I do, I’ll be making an investment for eternity.

In summary, I'll leave this world just as I entered it, with nothing. Learn to be content today with what I have. What I have comes from God. Therefore it's good to eat, drink, and enjoy work during my lifespan. To enjoy it my work and accept my lot in life is a gift from God. So spend money wisely. Spend it on getting more people into heaven. Leave an example of generosity in making an investment for eternity. 

Today I’m reminded that what I have are gifts from God. I need to learn to be content and enjoy what I have. Use what I have to get more people into heaven. Work on leaving an example and building my character. 

I pray this morning Father that I keep in mind what my lot in life is and that I be content, not hoarding but using what I have to help others have a relationship with you. I also pray for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. Help me to live my life so that it is an example for others to follow. These things I pay in your Son Jesus name, Amen.

Faith Is Something That I Actively Do

In review of James 2:15-16 it says, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (NIV).

Bottom Line:

Faith coupled with actions is what is needed.

What this means to me:

For me to claim to have faith, but not do things that show it, would prove that my faith is not real. For faith without good deeds is dead.

What good is it, if I say I have faith but don't show it by my actions?  Faith by itself isn't enough. It needs to produces good deeds, otherwise it is just dead and useless. I ultimately show my faith by my actions and good deeds.

Often when someone claims to have faith, what they may have is intellectual assent or agreement with a set of Christian teachings. As such that alone is incomplete faith. True faith transforms conduct as well as thoughts. If a life remains unchanged, then one doesn't truly believe what they claim.

It's important to remember that there is no way to earn salvation by only serving and obeying God. However such actions show that a commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of faith in Christ.

What I’m reminded of this morning is that faith is more than something you feel. Many people confuse emotions and feelings with faith. They come to church and they’re moved emotionally, they’re inspired, and they’re stimulated. But that doesn’t mean they’re walking in faith.

The Bible says faith is something we do, not just something we feel. In other words, faith is not mere sentimentality. Let’s say I go out on the street and see someone who is homeless and destitute. I see that this person is hungry, cold, and in need of clothing and shelter. Would I be showing great faith if I walked up and said, “Cheer up! Don’t worry; be happy! Feel good! Put on a happy face”?

It doesn’t take much faith to do that. Faith produces compassion. Faith says, “I’ll do anything I can to stop your hurt.” Throughout the New Testament, the witnesses say Jesus was moved with compassion for people. Jesus showed us that faith is practical.

When I see a need, I need to do something about it. It’s not enough for me to just toss out a quick “Well, I’ll pray for you.” The Bible says we show our faith by what we do.

It’s awesome that we have the new testament (Gospels and Letters) that give us real examples of how Jesus showed us the importance of putting faith into action. It is a model for me to follow in my life and my interactions.

Learning to Do Good to Those Who Oppose Me

In review of Luke 6:27-29 it says, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also” (NLT).

Bottom Line:

Do good and act on your enemies best interests.

What this means to me:

I am to love, do good and bless those who hate or are against me. I am to give them more than than they demand, acting in their best interests.

Jesus tells me to love my enemies. I’m to do good to those who hate me. Bless those who curse me. Pray for those who hurt me. If someone slaps me on one cheek, offer the other cheek as well. If someone demands from me, given them even more. When things are taken away, don't try to get it back. Essential do to others as I would like them to do to me.

What I’m learning is that Jesus wasn't talking about having affection for enemies; he was talking about an act of the will. I can't "fall into" this kind of love, it requires a conscious effort. Loving my enemies means acting in their best interests. I can pray for them, and think of ways to help them. Jesus loves the whole world, even though the whole world in in rebellion against him. Jesus asks me to follow his example by loving my enemies. Grant them the same respect and rights I desire for myself.

So, when I’m persecuted, harassed, and face opposition, I need to respond with a blessing.

Jesus says in Luke 6:27-29, “Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also” (NLT).

Who does that?! Not many, actually. It’s what sets Christianity apart, because it’s not a natural or popular or easy response. It takes a lot of courage to do those things! Anyone can fight back. Anyone can retaliate. Anyone can respond with something mean.”

However, God wants me to love my enemies, do good to those who hate me, bless those who curse me, pray for those who hurt me, and turn the other cheek. Is not that easy. I can only do it by being filled with God’s love. But it is the most powerful form of witness.

I want to be that kind of person for Jesus. I want to be that brave. I want to have a heart of courage that won’t cave in to what’s wrong, no matter what they throw at me. And I want to respond with love.” When I refuse to retaliate and instead respond in love at work or with somebody who doesn’t like me, God will be pleased. And I’m going to be blessed.

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven” (Matthew 5:10-12 NLT).

Jesus paid a price for me. He says there’s a price to be paid for following him. Popularity on Earth is not part of the guarantee of being a Christian, but my reward in Heaven is guaranteed.

If I’m Thankful, My Life Will Show It

In review of 1 Chronicles 16:34 it says, “Oh, give thanks in the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”

Bottom Line:

The Lord is good and kind, and his mercy endures forever.

What this means to me:

I can give thanks to the Lord for he is always good, in fact his faithfulness, mercies and kindness go on forever.

Today's verse comes from 1 Chronicles 16 and is part of David's song of praise. Four elements of true thanksgiving are found in this song: (1) remembering what God has done, (2) telling others about it, (3) showing God's glory to others, and (4) offering gifts of self, time, and resources. If I am truly thankful, my life will show it.

When I declare God's character and attributes in the presence of others, I recognize and affirm his goodness, and I hold up his perfect moral nature for all to see. Also, praise to Him benefits me, because it takes my mind off of my problems and needs, and let's me focus on God's power, mercy, majesty, and love. In addition, my praise should also give credit where credit is due. When I worship, give God all the glory.

I’m encouraged this morning to remember God’s amazing grace. I was once lost in sin, and the loving hand of God reached down and pulled me out. He washed me in His precious blood, redeemed me, and set me free.

So I can choose today to give God thanks for all the good things He has done instead of reminding Him of what still need to be taken care of. While there is air in my lungs, I should use it to glory His Holy Name.