An Example

Good Morning,

Philippians 3:17 (NIV)
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

We, you and I, are the "Paul" of the world in which we live. What I mean by that is the fact that it is our responsibility to be the example that is being set for those around us to see and, hopefully, to follow. We, you and I, are to "live according to the pattern" that has been set down by God in the Bible. We, you and I, have an awesome and huge responsibility in the Christian life that we've chosen to live.

So, what we really must do, you and I, is to examine in detail the life "pattern" we are living and, therefore, the example we are setting. It's a daunting and even fearful task, this self examination. I say that because we will probably be somewhat disappointed (some of us will be greatly disappointed, I'm afraid) in what we find and the example that is being set...at least in some areas of our lives. On the other hand, we will find that there are other areas of our lives where we are quite pleased with how we're living and the example we're setting.

We, you and I, by being Christian believers and having accepted God's grace and salvation by having Jesus as our Lord and Savior, are more than just "sinners saved by grace." We are also God's ambassadors here on this earth. "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." (2 Cor. 5:20) And, even more importantly, we are the example to whom people will look in order to see what the Christian life and lifestyle truly is.

Are we, you and I, up to this daunting responsibility? Are we, you and I, ready to be the examples God wants us to be?

I don't know about you, but for me? In order that I be an example that would be pleasing to God, I'll have to make some changes.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David