Are You Worth Imitating?

One day the Rev. Chuck Swindoll received a challenging letter from a young man who had just started to attend his church. The letter asked a probing question.

“I’ve heard you say that one becomes like those with whom he spends his time,” the young man said. “I’m surrounded by mediocre people. The more I mature, the fewer people I find worth imitating. I’m not so mature, though, that God is the only model… You are a model for me. But I want to know… Are you like my other ‘models?’ Do you rip your wife apart in front of other married people? Do you talk big but turn wimpy when it’s time for action? Are you worth imitating?”

That’s a tough question for all who are parents. Do we want our children to imitate us or are there parts of our lives we pray our children never pick up?

The No. 1 rule in parenting is to “set a genuine example that is worth imitating.” Or as Puritan Thomas Fuller proclaimed, “Teaching is like tapping nails in the wood. Example is like hammering them deep.”

But the No. 2 rule in parenting is that “nothing is more confusing than parents who give good advice, but set a bad example.” Remember that “children learn from observation, not argumentation.”

There’s a verse in the Bible that lists five areas in which you should strive to be the best possible example.

“But set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12

Be an example in speech.

Choose your words wisely. Beware of words that are harsh or hurtful. Say nothing intentionally to deceive or to mislead. Learn to control your temper. Avoid offensive or off-color stories and jokes. Beware of comments filled with sexual innuendo. Don’t gossip about others. Don’t brag. In other words, let your speech be worth imitating.

Be an example in life.

Seek order and discipline in every area of your life. Be willing to work harder than others on your job. Take good care of your health and diet. If you are a student, commit to studying diligently. Be wise with money. Pay what you owe when it is due. Treat others with respect.

Be an example in love.

This example is actually the most important area to be a positive example. That’s why it’s called the “Golden Rule.” Parents should speak the truth in love, even when correcting a child. Avoid love that is harsh.

Be an example in faith.

Others watch us very carefully when we go through especially difficult times. They want to know if the faith we talk about works even during times of pain and uncertainty. Are you worth imitating when life throws you a curve?

Be an example in purity.

We should be very discerning regarding what we read, watch and think about. As they say “junk in…junk out.” Some years ago I ran across a verse in the Bible that encouraged me to meditate on things that will promote a pure mind.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, meditate on these.” Philippians 4:8

Are you worth imitating? Let me challenge you to seek to be an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Dr. Rick Koole is pastor of Lifepointe Church, Fallbrook.