Throughout the years, we hear that, as men, we have a great responsibility to be role models for our children as well as those around us. Many of us hear it so often that it becomes a trite saying, and so we don’t really absorb the full import of it, and simply shrug it off with an “I know, I know.”
But, the reality of it is so clear to me right now that is deafening. Titus 2:7-8 says, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” I have always talked a good game. My friends and family thought my integrity was above reproach.
However, I was the consummate hypocrite. My personality was laced with sarcasm. I thought I was being witty. What I was doing was hurting people with my words. I was certainly not treating my loved ones or neighbors as Jesus commanded us to. I can see that trait come out in my kids now and then, and from the outside looking in, it can be ugly. But I know where they got it from. They won’t follow the advice, but they will follow the example. Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
The same thing goes for my other sins. I am constantly thinking of how my family is and will be affected by what I have done. How my daughters view their husbands now, and the trust levels that have been impacted, not by their deeds, but by mine. The brokenness I have caused my wife. These are the things that we should be thinking about when we hear temptation’s call. The mind is the greatest computer God ever created; it only takes a split second to make the decision to do right or do wrong. With God and Jesus in our hearts, it should be easy. With the lives and well being of our families at stake, it should be even easier.
We have such a profound impact on those around us. Through Christ, we can make it a positive one. We know what to do. As I have said in previous posts, however, it’s not what we know or say, it’s what we do.
Being a role model for others is very important in Christianity. We are to be the light of the world. Unbelievers cannot see because they are in darkness. We are to let our light shine. That doesn’t mean we are to try to act religious and put on a front in front of others, but we are to imitate Christ.
Allowing others to see our light can lead others to finding Christ. God is going to use you to save some people in your life. The best testimony is not what we say to others, it’s how we live our lives.
Barnabas Man 