Be a role model.

Years ago, a famous basketball player when told he was a role model, denied the statement and said, "I am no role model!" (*Insert loud obnoxious buzzer sound here.) WRONG! No matter who you are or what you do, somebody watches you and desires to be like you.

So, who is watching you? Who are you influencing? Who wants to be like you when they grow up?

Second set of queries:

Are you offering a solid role model to those who watch you? Are you positively influencing those around you? Will those who emulate you be good role models or poor ones?

Two trains of thought here.

1. Bad behavior, poor ethics, and sketchy choices portray an image that can lead others astray. Bad!!

2. Ethical behavior, good decision making, and clear-mindedness offer a bystander hope and possible duplication. Good!!

Stop at stop signs. Tip your server well. Take care of our environment. Avoid using language that diminishes another human being. Love your spouse. Be firm and fair with your children. Take care of your body. Have fun. Eat a meal everyday with your family. Read and study the Bible. Pray with people. Encourage people. Get to church. Work 'with' people and not 'against' them. Be able to laugh at yourself. Model Jesus Christ.

"For we know, brothers (sisters) loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you

not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how

we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe

suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model

to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in

Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere." (1 Thessalonians 1:4-8, NIV)

[emphasis added]

When we choose to live like Jesus, others see our actions and responses. They understand something about us has changed. Their lives are being influenced by God's Spirit working through us. The thought of living like Jesus is difficult. Following Jesus is fraught with struggle, suffering, and sacrifice. God will reward you when you choose to begin living a life that imitates Christ. Watch what God does with your witness. You are modeling something. Let it be Jesus.