Setting a Good Example

February 25, 2013
Opening Hymns:528 Nearer, My God, to Thee http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh528.sht
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 3:17-4:1
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

Message:
Paul is rather bold when he states “join together in following my example.” It almost seems rather arrogant. In all honesty, it had been bothering me a bit. Isn’t it Jesus that we are supposed to be following? Isn’t it He the ultimate example of who we all should yearn to be?

I think that Paul did not make that statement to be arrogant, but rather, to make us think. Are we living a life that we want others to emulate? Are we being good examples, and if not, in what ways and why? Not only do others affect us, but we also affect and have an impact on others. Paul’s words can lead us to examine ourselves. It allows us to recognize the importance of setting a good example for others while focusing on those who set a good example for us.

Paul’s statement is a way for him to recognize that he is being a leader and setting an example for others. He is not only recognizing that, but also warning against those who would lead others astray. This can also serve as a reminder to him and to us how important it is that we don’t lead others away from God.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, help us live a life as You would have us live it. Let us be a good example to those around us. When we fall short let us recognize it and change our ways so that we can more closely follow Your will. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
480 Oh Love that Wilt not Let Me Go http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh480.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God