Tiger Woods…Michael Jordan. Both are names that we all recognize. They have transcended the sports in which they excelled. In their heydays, they earned millions of dollars each year, not only in salary but also in product endorsements of every kind.
Why do adoring fans buy tickets to see their favorite athletes perform and then purchase sportswear with their name on the label? Put simply, it is because most people literally desire to be “in the shoes” of their heroes. Superstars have become role models not only in sports, but in their lifestyles as well.
In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul gives credit to Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, for being positive role models. The fact that Timothy became an extraordinary witness for Christ did not come as a surprise to Paul. The seeds of Timothy’s faith were planted much earlier by his parents and grandparents.
Have you been strongly influenced by individuals from your past? My parents set such an example for me. Growing up as a young boy in Grand Forks, North Dakota, I never heard my parents use God’s name in vain. My mother, coincidentally named Eunice, walked me to church and Sunday School each week. At considerable financial sacrifice, they sent me to a Lutheran school from kindergarten through eighth grade. Today I can see how important my parents were to my development as a Christian. I thank God for them both.
How can we be role models for others in our lives today? A few suggestions are listed below:
- Share the good news of God’s love for us in Christ.
- Willingly forgive others knowing that God has richly forgiven us.
- Treat family members with the love and respect God has shown to us.
- Look for ways to serve others and act on the opportunities that present themselves.
- Willingly volunteer our time, abilities, and financial support to the work of His church.
As hard as we try, we can’t accomplish any of these actions through our own efforts. Fortunately, the greatest role model that ever lived, Jesus, accomplished what sinful mankind is unable to do. He left his home in heaven to become a man, lived a perfect life, suffered the punishment that we deserve, and pronounced victory over death by His resurrection. As a result, our sins are forgiven, and we will have eternal life with God in heaven.
Our objective as Christian role models is to be an example to others through our words and deeds. Living a life of service to God may not appear as glamorous as winning the Masters or an NBA championship, but the impact on those who discover God’s love for them by observing our example is much more valuable and lasting.