I don’t think we can ever underestimate the power of example. Whether it is in ministry or parenting, at work or even among older children setting a good example for younger children, example is powerful.
Paul urged Timothy to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Jesus tells His disciples that He has set them an example that they should follow what he has done (John 13:15).
Elsewhere, the apostle Paul urges, “Be imitators of me” and then makes that famous statement, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 4:16 11:1)
He tells the Philippians the same thing, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 3:17, 4:9)
He reminded the Thessalonians, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1 Thess. 1:6). And again he appealed to them, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).
Another writer of inspired Scripture exhorts, us to “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)
Example is the single greatest tool in leadership. “Setting an example of godly living that others can follow is the sine qua non of excellence in ministry,” John MacArthur has stated.
So what kind of example are you setting today for others? Whether a pastor, a parent, a supervisor, a young person, are you setting an example worth following?
