Who Follows Our Example?

We know others watch us and learn by the actions we take and the things we say as well as what we don’t do or say. Our responsibility to do the right thing is not only for ourselves but for others who are looking to us to make the right decision. When we do the right thing we are setting an example for others to follow.

We may not see the impact of our decision right away but others will remember what we did or didn’t do and it may cause them to make a similar decision down the road. How can we know who actually notices what we are doing? We don’t. That is why we need to do the right thing in all we do. We need to do what God wants us and tells us to do in every situation.

Doing the right thing is not always easy. Making a decision that isn’t popular with the crowd can cause us to be left out. Making a decision that is popular with God may not be the one that gets us in with the right group but it will give God the glory and set an example to others we are His children. It shows others that we do fear God and want to do as He commands us to.

The actions we take with others aren’t looking are just as important as the things we do when others are watching. What we do behind closed doors when we are alone creates habits in us that will either make God proud of us or will disappoint Him. We may think that since no one is looking it won’t matter. But it does. God knows all we do. Our actions should be the same when we are alone because we are doing the things God wants us to do.

Being consistent about doing the right things will keep us on track for God. Doing things for Him rather than for others will help keep us humble. We aren’t to do something so that others will think we are great and caring and wise. We are to do for others because it is what God commands. We are to do for others so that we can tell them that our actions were because God allowed us to do them.

Taking time to do things God asks us to will help us to be a better example for others. Doing the things God wants us to when we are alone will help us be stronger when times get tough. Practicing what God wants us to do morning and night will create in us habits God will use when we are needed by others in times of crisis. When we go to Him, He will bring everything under control so we can do the right thing.

We can’t be ready to do God’s will when we haven’t practiced ahead of time. We can’t boldly step out and help someone when we haven’t prepared by reading God’s word so we will know what to say and do when the time comes. We can’t be who God wants us to be when we are inconsistent with our actions and words with different people and when we are alone. God wants us to be the same. He wants us to be strong in His word. He wants us to make a difference.

Philippians 3:17-21 “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”