Being an example

I was both humbled and thankful when on Sunday a young lady in my unit in church mentioned that she has learnt so much from watching me and is always looking out for what else to learn. I was humbled because I didn't know I wielded that much influence on her, so much that she kept her fingernails short because I keep mine short! I was grateful because I have been a positive influence, even when I didn't know someone was watching me closely.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Apostle Paul admonished Timothy to “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity”. That is, his personal conduct as a young pastor will carry as much weight - if not more - than any message he preaches. Paul challenged Timothy: “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine” (v.16). Meaning if he paid attention to his own spiritual life and to solid doctrine, he would be a godly example to the people around him.

We all have people who are watching us, let's live our lives in such a way that those who follow our example will live godly lives that will in turn lead others to Christ.