Leading by Example
“Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.”
—Philippians 4:9 Amplified
What if someone asked the following survey questions regarding leadership in your local congregation: “Who is your model church leader? “What have you learned, received, heard, and seen in your church leaders that you could practice so that the God of peace would be with you? Think about it. Would your name be given? Better yet, how would your children answer if asked about your example as a role model in the home? Would they choose an athlete or "celebrity" over you? Think about it some more while I continue. Perhaps, by the end of this article you will have some insight into the seriousness of “Leading by Example.”
Our society suffers from a lack of godly role models. There are many who consider themselves role models because they hold leadership positions in respectable arenas in society. Unfortunately, leadership responsibilities and spotlight positions do not qualify one as an individual whereby others can model their lifestyle.
This eye-opening truth is commonly seen among male athletes. While they are in spotlight positions to be role models, their lifestyles cast shadows of doubt on their credibility and their character, which is not in the best interest of our children, specifically boys.
In addition, this truth is revealed among our government officials who hold positions of authority and power in our nation and communities. Unfortunately, they cannot be looked upon as role models because they are their own assassins. Their character and hidden agendas are like time bombs; and when they explode, many are wounded. Need I say more?
Since there is a shortage of role models in the public eye and public service, where do we look now? Shall we look in the home? Shall we look in the church? Surely, we will find godly role models in the home and the church! You are correct. There is a sarcastic tone. Please forgive me!
First, let us address the home. The home should be the number one place to find role models for both girls and boys. Unfortunately, a common rule of thumb for the home is, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Parents tell their children this because they believe their leadership responsibilities as parents give them this “right.” However, what they fail to realize is that children learn best by example. While parents may be telling their children what is the right thing to do, they are doing what is wrong themselves. Therefore, the children put into practice what they see them doing. Consequently, lawlessness is passed from generation to generation along with the adage, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
The second best place to find role models should be the church. Unfortunately, many church leaders are the same parents who are telling their children at home to do as I say, not as I do. Can you imagine how confused the children are?
So, what shall we do to end this dilemma? It starts with admitting the truth as revealed through the bible—the inspired Word of God. That truth is we all have failed at some point to allow God to have total control of our lives so that He might develop and perfect us according to His plan and His will (Philippians 1:6). Instead, we have sought to master life on our own, on our own terms to achieve our own goals, for our own purposes. In short, we have failed!
Nevertheless, the good news is there is still hope for us. Each of us has an opportunity to change every morning as we experience new mercies of a faithful and loving Father with unfailing compassions (Lamentations 3:22).
The Apostle Paul is a good example of how a man can be changed by the power of God. After the Damascus Road experience, Paul’s life and lifestyle changed drastically, to say the least. (Ref. Acts 26). He became purpose driven to become deeply and intimately acquainted with the Christ (Philippians 3:10). In other words, he wanted a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that would transform him into His likeness. This is what God desires for us all. Paul goes on to say that he was not perfect. There were things in his past that he had to forget. Yet, he was going to press and strain forward to what lies ahead. It is with this attitude and perspective that we can become godly role models.
Role models should be real people—people who can honestly say, I have made mistakes. I am not perfect, but I am no perpetrator. Teenagers and young adults can respect adults who tell them the truth and give them sound alternatives at the time of reprimand.
The adage, “Do as I say, not as I do,” has no place in today’s society. It is a “cop-out” and an excuse for parents to avoid leading by example. I am convinced that anyone who makes the decision to be a leader in whatever aspect can be successful if they choose to walk the way of the Master. He is the GREATEST ROLE MODEL!
I believe that many understand the seriousness of leading by example. However, they are not in public view yet. But at the appointed time they shall arise to the forefront and bring with them a generation that have been prepared in obscurity to lead by example through a public display of their godly character. They will be able to say as Paul, “Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.”
I want to be a leader by example. How about you?
—Philippians 4:9 Amplified
What if someone asked the following survey questions regarding leadership in your local congregation: “Who is your model church leader? “What have you learned, received, heard, and seen in your church leaders that you could practice so that the God of peace would be with you? Think about it. Would your name be given? Better yet, how would your children answer if asked about your example as a role model in the home? Would they choose an athlete or "celebrity" over you? Think about it some more while I continue. Perhaps, by the end of this article you will have some insight into the seriousness of “Leading by Example.”
Our society suffers from a lack of godly role models. There are many who consider themselves role models because they hold leadership positions in respectable arenas in society. Unfortunately, leadership responsibilities and spotlight positions do not qualify one as an individual whereby others can model their lifestyle.
This eye-opening truth is commonly seen among male athletes. While they are in spotlight positions to be role models, their lifestyles cast shadows of doubt on their credibility and their character, which is not in the best interest of our children, specifically boys.
In addition, this truth is revealed among our government officials who hold positions of authority and power in our nation and communities. Unfortunately, they cannot be looked upon as role models because they are their own assassins. Their character and hidden agendas are like time bombs; and when they explode, many are wounded. Need I say more?
Since there is a shortage of role models in the public eye and public service, where do we look now? Shall we look in the home? Shall we look in the church? Surely, we will find godly role models in the home and the church! You are correct. There is a sarcastic tone. Please forgive me!
First, let us address the home. The home should be the number one place to find role models for both girls and boys. Unfortunately, a common rule of thumb for the home is, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Parents tell their children this because they believe their leadership responsibilities as parents give them this “right.” However, what they fail to realize is that children learn best by example. While parents may be telling their children what is the right thing to do, they are doing what is wrong themselves. Therefore, the children put into practice what they see them doing. Consequently, lawlessness is passed from generation to generation along with the adage, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
The second best place to find role models should be the church. Unfortunately, many church leaders are the same parents who are telling their children at home to do as I say, not as I do. Can you imagine how confused the children are?
So, what shall we do to end this dilemma? It starts with admitting the truth as revealed through the bible—the inspired Word of God. That truth is we all have failed at some point to allow God to have total control of our lives so that He might develop and perfect us according to His plan and His will (Philippians 1:6). Instead, we have sought to master life on our own, on our own terms to achieve our own goals, for our own purposes. In short, we have failed!
Nevertheless, the good news is there is still hope for us. Each of us has an opportunity to change every morning as we experience new mercies of a faithful and loving Father with unfailing compassions (Lamentations 3:22).
The Apostle Paul is a good example of how a man can be changed by the power of God. After the Damascus Road experience, Paul’s life and lifestyle changed drastically, to say the least. (Ref. Acts 26). He became purpose driven to become deeply and intimately acquainted with the Christ (Philippians 3:10). In other words, he wanted a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that would transform him into His likeness. This is what God desires for us all. Paul goes on to say that he was not perfect. There were things in his past that he had to forget. Yet, he was going to press and strain forward to what lies ahead. It is with this attitude and perspective that we can become godly role models.
Role models should be real people—people who can honestly say, I have made mistakes. I am not perfect, but I am no perpetrator. Teenagers and young adults can respect adults who tell them the truth and give them sound alternatives at the time of reprimand.
The adage, “Do as I say, not as I do,” has no place in today’s society. It is a “cop-out” and an excuse for parents to avoid leading by example. I am convinced that anyone who makes the decision to be a leader in whatever aspect can be successful if they choose to walk the way of the Master. He is the GREATEST ROLE MODEL!
I believe that many understand the seriousness of leading by example. However, they are not in public view yet. But at the appointed time they shall arise to the forefront and bring with them a generation that have been prepared in obscurity to lead by example through a public display of their godly character. They will be able to say as Paul, “Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.”
I want to be a leader by example. How about you?
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