WHAT KIND OF AN EXAMPLE AM I?

In one of his letters to Timothy, the Apostle Paul
encouraged his "son in the Lord" to "be an example
to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in
spirit, in faith, in purity." (I Timothy 4:12)
Writing of himself in other places, Paul exhorted,
"...join in following my example, and note those
who so walk, as you have us for a pattern."
(Philippians 3:17)
An even stronger imploring is found in First
Corinthians 4:16, where we read (in the New King
James Version), "....I urge you, imitate me."
POWERFUL, YET INTIMIDATING WORDS!
Some would think that the Apostle was being
arrogant or presumptious, but those who know
him from his other writings are easily convinced
that he knew what his position in Jesus afforded
him, and he was confident in his "spiritual skin".
DO YOU AND I DARE TO MAKE SUCH STATEMENTS?
Who is "following" you? For whom are you a "pattern"
to copy? Do you want other Christians to be like you?
HEAVY, HEY?
Seriously, your daily walk and your "Sunday talk" are
being watched by others, from your children to your
students, to those who share worship with you, and
into the streets and workplace and shops.
Some years ago I experienced embarrassment when
a local pastor that I knew of, but didn't know on a
personal basis, argued rather loudly with an employee
in a local hardware store about a lawnmower's price.
I was attending another church in that same town,
but shared corporate shame by his actions.
We need to ask ourselves what kind of Christians
our world perceives us as. Our lives bespeak of
our Saviour and Lord. WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK
OF HIM AS THEY WITNESS OUR LIVES?
Are you attentive in church?
Do you participate in services?
Is your "gift" to the Lord in the offering plate?
Are others "moved" by your devotion?
Is your church better because of you?
Will children remember your dedication?
Do your neighbors know where you go Sundays?
Do they know "why"?
Do your fellow-employees know that you're
"one of His"? How?
Does your speech honor your Lord?
IS YOUR LIFE & LIFESTYLE WORTH IMITATING?
First Corinthians 11:1 gives us another of the
statements of Paul, perhaps an even stronger one
than those previously quoted: "Imitate me, just
as I also imitate Christ."
Of course, we wouldn't want anyone to copy our
"non-Christian" behaviour or thoughts, but it
would be a blessing to know that others desire
to be "like Jesus", and "like me".
Wouldn't it be great to hear others say that they
want to be like you and me because we emulate
the Lord Jesus? What a glorious statement of
our life's example to hear such a declaration in
Heaven, namely that we represented our Saviour
well to others!!
In Paul's treatise to Titus he encouraged him to
"in all, show yourself to be a pattern of good works,
in doctrine, integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
(and) sound speech."
Remember, you are a walking, talking BILLBOARD
FOR JESUS! Advertise well, my friend.
I'm praying for you.