Most of us don't think of ourselves as models, and most of us wouldn't think of walking down runways in outfits while hundreds of spectators look on. But whether we like it or not, we are all models because we are all modeling something every day by the way that we carry and conduct ourselves.
Good parents know that proper rearing of children must include more than just teaching them the right behavior. It must include modeling the right behavior. They need to see right living firsthand, not just hear about it.
It is the same in the church of Jesus Christ. Mature Christians know that proper rearing (i.e., discipling) of believers must include more than just teaching them about following Christ. It must include modeling how we follow Christ. They need to see how a person follows Christ firsthand.
The Thessalonians saw firsthand how Paul and his fellow laborers in the Lord lived for Christ, and followed their example, becoming examples, themselves.
"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."
We should be an example "in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12), in all things showing "a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7).
Do you have some mature Christians in your life that show you firsthand what it means to follow Christ? Are you emulating them so that you, too, are modeling for others what it means to follow Christ?
If you are following Christ, then you are working for Him, and His church, which is God's modeling agency here on earth. How has YOUR modeling been going?
Yours in Him,
Pastor B.
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