Pastors' Corner

          I recently heard a conversation about politicians being role models. One person was saying that he thinks that politicians should be role models and therefore their lives should be such that others, especially our youths, should be able to admire and follow them. The other person, on the other hand, said that it all depends on what the first speaker meant by role model. So the first speaker asked the second speaker to define what his, the second speaker's, definition is of the word. He did not give a definition as such. Instead, he said that what he does is to look at the good and the bad the person does and then he decides to choose the good from the bad. Clearly that is not what most of us think role modeling or a role model is all about.
          It was Jesus who said, "let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5: 16) From this passage one can infer that the role model must be one who sets a standard that is higher than the average one sees in society. This person forces others to pay attention. Others would have to look up to this person. He is not one whose life is full of constant faults and failures. Therefore, for the believer, modeling for others is about reflecting who God is and causing others to want to be better tomorrow than what they are today because of what they have seen in you the role model.

          The Apostle Paul, who no doubt thought of himself as a role model for all Christians, was moved to say, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1) No doubt this stalwart of the faith felt inadequate at times and therefore, saw Christ as the ultimate role model for all believers. Therefore, he did not say to follow him at every turn and in everything, but as he follows Christ. Here is the recognition that the best of us fail from time to time, but that does not mean that we cannot be role models because like every believer, we are also seeking to model Christ to the world.

          But here is kicker on the subject, whether we want to or not, we are modeling for someone at all times. It may be good or bad. So there are good role models and bad role models.  There is always someone who is looking at your life and saying, " l like that guy or gal and want to be like him or her." So it behooves us by the grace of God to do our very best at all times. Someone is looking at you.
          If we take to heart what the Apostle Paul said about following him then we would be in the place to be imitators of Christ as dear children. Let us set the example for all who may be looking at and reading our lives. You are the only gospel some may ever read. May your life tell of the grace and power of God to change and keep.