"Role Models"

 

“Role Models”

 

A retired professional athlete once made the claim “I ain’t no role model!” Was he right? Before answering let’s consider another former sports star who appeared in several “Lite Beer from Miller” commercials during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The tag line for the product was “Tastes great, less filling”. He stopped appearing in the ads after marching in a parade and hearing kids from both sides of the street shouting “Tastes great, less filling” as he walked by because he felt he wasn’t being a good role model. Would that all of us felt this way!

Whether or not we realize it (or like it) chances are that as humans someone, perhaps many, is/are watching us. Contrary to the assertion of the first gentleman above that makes each of us a role model. But as followers of Christ we have a greater responsibility to those around us. Our Lord’s friend and apostle reminds us that He’s “…(left) you an example that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21). Paul challenged the believers in a troubled church to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, emphasis added). A few years later he admonished his young trainee to “…set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). But lest his readers think a godly example is confined to our conduct within God’s family he reminds us to “Be wise in your behavior toward non-Christians….” (Colossians 4:5, PH). Dwight L. Moody once observed, “The Christian’s life is the world’s Bible”. Some people may never pick up God’s Word but they can read those of us who do. What message are we conveying to them?

Over my life’s journey God’s given me role models to shape my faith and ministry including family members, friends, pastors, teachers, chaplain colleagues and those in churches I’ve served. It’s my prayer that, in the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2 I’ll be one to others so they can carry the torch further and “…(our) good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise (our) heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16, NLT, emphasis added).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For another look at this subject see “Living Letters”.)