These days, it seems such Christian examples are rare... so few and numbered. Sometimes I've a gut feeling they would be extinct in the near future... What am I talking about? What kind of Christian examples? I'm talking about mature Christians who knows and does the will of the Father... Although some would probably point to me pastors, bible woman, etc. They are not what I'm actually looking for or actuality who I'm really talking about. But of course they are possibly great examples, for that is one of their duties or responsibilities as being leaders of the church, but I'm looking for merely normal adults who simply are living the Christian life. Now don't get me wrong 'coz my perspective on someone who lives their Christian life are those who possesses not just a quality but a character and person worth following or making as such an example. I know we have Jesus as our greatest example and it is a dangerous thing to look at people as example due to the frailty of man and because of the curse of the flesh, nevertheless Christians are also called to be an example, I believe; Not only the leaders of the church. Anyway, all Christians are also called to be God's servant, not only pastors or teachers. Therefore, being an example is also a responsibility of all Christians.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Furthermore, if you are a Christian, is it but natural that we seek someone to look at as examples? The Word of God gives us so many people who became great examples to learn from whether from bad examples or good examples... Of course we follow the good, the bad we do not but stay away from it. And when we tend to look for examples, too often we'd look for people who have the same situations or circumstances they've gone through as the same to ours. We don't look for examples that are totally far different circumstance from ours...
Now, here comes a big dilemma for Christians. Who amongst the Christians wants to be an example? Most likely the reaction would be "Oh, no no no no no no!" True that we are indeed frail and most likely easy to falter esp. as new or beginning Christians. But if we've grown matured or learned to know and obey God's will, shouldn't we set as examples for the younger ones, the new generation?
We should! As apostle Paul encourages Timothy to be one, even at his young age. For a truth, the character of a person counts much! The worthiness of a person is very valuable. But if such character is marred and tainted, it loses its value. BUT, I also do believe in God's amazing Grace and Love, for He is the source of Grace and Mercy... How that even as sinful as David, still He called him to be a man after His own heart! It's a great reminder for us Christians that really, it's not about us, but it's ALL about God! It is He that enables us, it is He that perfects us, it is He that makes us worthy even if we failed Him so many times. If God chooses to use us in His ways, so shall it be done. If He wills, it shall come to pass.
But as I have said earlier, it seems in these times, such examples are few. Personally? I do find some people that I know, people of different status in life and circumstance, they become my examples of such a matured Christian, whether they serve in teaching or they serve in giving, they inspire me and give such a good example. Entails me to become a good example as well. But I know, I have lots of things to learn. But pressures and how the world works seem to be my biggest hindrance and challenge. Makes me wonder, how did these people got through? or how do they really deal with these things... And so it's hard to know, but then again we should seek the Lord and wait patiently for His revelation and leading.
Being an example... is it worth it? I do believe it is... but why too few Christians pursue it? Self tends to be the boss more than obeying the Father's will? It's hard? My sister shared the view of those she has been sharing with and most of them view it as a hard rough and difficult life. And to be honest, I think yes, they are right! To follow Christ is really hard, that even Christ Himself has stated it (John 15:20). But if we Christians should think about it, why then call ourselves Christians? Is it just for the sake of being saved? Truth is, if we really say we are Christians, a follower of Christ and yet do not do the Father's will, are we not just fooling ourselves? or making the "Christian" name just a name and not a reality? Or aren't we worthy to be called a "false Christian" if we do so? I do not wish to accuse, but I wish that we put in place our perspective on what Christianity is really all about.
True, we have the flesh still upon us which really hardens the life that we ought to live... but God has also given us the Spirit! He has given Himself! and it greatly gives me a question, how that we continue to still depend on the flesh more than the Spirit? Well, maybe because there is too few examples of people to look at and know that living or walking with the Spirit IS possible. Well? That's one of my thought or idea 'cause really I too greatly struggle walking by faith or walking with the Spirit. There is far greater number of Christians exemplifying the life controlled or directed on how the world works. I tend to see the principle of "The strong survives", "survival of the fittest" being much more evident even in the lives of Christians... and the principle of "living by faith"? I rarely see it... But oh when I see it, it greatly amazes me and ask myself "why can't I do it?" or "How come I struggle on having that kind of faith?"
Well, this challenge is not only for those who read this but also a challenge for me. It's a great challenge as I continue to seek in knowing and following His will. May we indeed learn to live by faith and be an example to the believers...
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