Being Christian Examples

 

By Rev Kenneth Mtata 

11 March 2022

Today’s readings

• Psalm 27; 

• Genesis 14:17-24; 

• Philippians 3:17-20

Today’s verse

“Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. (Philippians 3:17)

Christians make the greatest impact in their communication of the gospel when their lives are consistent with the message of the gospel. God’s people make greatest impact when the testimony of their words and the conviction of their hearts, are consistent with the way they conduct of their lives. How should this be done?

First, we can only be examples in our conduct when we learn from Christ himself and those who have also faithfully followed him. As Paul says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Christ set an example in his devotion and prayer, in supporting those who are excluded and marginalized, and in obeying his father to fulfill the mission of salvation. It is said Paul followed in these footsteps up to the point of being crucified with his legs up and his head down in honor of Christ. As Christians, we do not only follow Christ in wearing the crown of gold. We also imitate Christ in our wearing the crown of thorns.

Second, we set an example for others not for them to follow us but so that we point them to Christ.  Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We or our churches are not the destinations where people should be directed. We are just signposts to God’s kingdom of peace, justice, and abundant life for all people. Our exemplary life is meant to show people that this kingdom is at work and also in us.

Third, our exemplary life does not only cover the religious aspects such as prayer, devotion, and fasting. We must an example in all aspects of life. In instructing the young disciple, Paul says, “Let no one despise you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The writer to Titus also says, “Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us” (Titus 2:7-8).

Fourth, while we are an example for others, we must also have those people who can be models for us. Good role models must also have great role models. In doing this, we do not follow people blindly. We follow people’s example if it is consistent with the word of God. As the writer to the Hebrews says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7). We “consider the outcome of their way of life” and then “imitate their faith.” 

Prayer

Our Lord Jesus, we thank you for being our example in your obedience, devotion, and commitment to God’s kingdom of love, justice and abundant life. We pray that your Spirit may empower us to be examples for others. We repent where we have been bad examples in our speech and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen