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Live the Good Example
When my husband was on assignment at the Army Post at Fort Benning, GA, we constantly saw the infantry motto, “Follow me!” It was everywhere! Every time I saw it, it reminded me that the Bible teaches us to be both followers and leaders for His sake.
Everyone needs good role models and heroes; those who show us the way to be. It is important for young children and youth. It is useful for training workers. It is good for all of us to have someone in our life that shows us a way to live better. Here are a few reasons why.
- They show us how to live, and in sickness and death, how to die well
- They show us how to make mistakes and to learn from them
- They show us how to walk through darkness and difficulty
- They teach us better ways to act, interact and respond to our world0
- They give us inspiration and courage
“Follow me” - Jesus
Sometimes the disciples and others following Jesus were called followers. In the book of Acts many were called this as well. Christianity was referred to as “The Way.” Jesus said He was the Way to God and used this phrase about Himself. It stuck. They followed the Way.
Following or imitating someone worthy of being followed is important. In the animal kingdom, the momma imprints on the babies as to how to behave. It is important for baby Christians to have a fellow Christian show them how to live too.
Examples from the Word
Christ
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 NLT
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. I Peter 2:21 NLT
The Apostle Paul
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. Philippians 3:17 NLT
For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. 16 So I urge you to imitate me. I Corinthians 4:15b-16 NLT
You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
If it ever happens that you do not have very good examples of Christianity around you (and Christians have their blind spots like anyone else) know you can turn to the examples of Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Read the Bible and look for examples how to live as God would want us to live.
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This post is forty-eighth in a series as a Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.
Up next: Find the Application: What we can Learn from Bad Examples 2
Previous post: Find the Application: Practice with Psalm 23
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Reflect:
1. Who has been a positive role model in your life? In what ways have you learned from them?
2. Think about the life of Jesus in the Gospels. What is something you appreciate or admire about how He lived or how He handled people? Think about how that might be helpful to you in your walk with God.
