Example is Important (originally published October 11)

Jesus could have been just another “great man” who stood on top of a mountain somewhere to hand down rules for people. Instead, while it is true that Jesus gave many rules and precepts for us to live by, He also did something further. Jesus lived out what He taught.

If, as most scholars suppose, Luke wrote the great book of Acts, the beloved doctor gives us a beautiful peek into what kind of man Jesus was. In the first verse of Acts, Luke writes, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (New King James Version, emphasis added). Jesus was a consistent teacher. How so? He did what He taught.

When Jesus told His disciples to love each other, He loved them enough to die for them. When Christ told His followers to be servants, He was willing to get on His knees and wash feet. He was consistent, and His example is still with us.

What about us? Jesus told those listening to His first sermon, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). How are we doing? When others see our example, of what are we being an example? Do those in the world see Christ in us, or do they simply see a reflection of the world?

You have, no doubt, heard the old saying, “you may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” One elder told a young preacher these sage words of advice: “You can read the entire New Testament in a day, or you can read it in a lifetime” (Falling Away, 25). How true those words are!

Ask yourself this question: when people see my life, are they drawn closer to Christ or are they driven further from Him? Now ask the same question in these settings: are my coworkers drawn closer, or am I a grouchy and lazy worker? Are my classmates seeing Christ in me, or do they wonder if I ever even attend worship? Do my children see Christ in my parenting, or do I fail to raise them according to God’s Word?

“Let your light so shine…”