A community of example setters...

I visited the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online and found this definition for the word example: “one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated.” So one can be a good example or a bad one.

I think Paul was telling Timothy – and all young people – to be a good example when he wrote this in 2 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set and example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (NIV)

I think he was doing the same to Titus and every more mature believer when he wrote to him about being an example.

“…encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8, NIV)

Interesting. To every believer of every age, God’s call is the same: “Be one that serves as a pattern to be imitated.” Paul tells young Timothy to set an example. He tells older Titus to do the same.

The church is a community of example setters.

I love what the writer of Hebrews was inspired by the Spirit to pen concerning the church.

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:19-24, NIV)

You can see God’s desire for each and every believer to be an example here, can’t you? We’re to consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. That’s example setting. That’s what the church is about.

What kind of example are you setting?

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