"A GOOD EXAMPLE"

Welcome back and I pray you had a great week as you served our Lord and worshiped HIM. Today I want to share with you on the subject of being a good example to others around us. We often do not think of ourselves in this way as much as we should, but we are being watched. As we look at the meaning of the word "example" from the Greek language, it may help to shed some light on our thoughts for today.

From Strong's Greek Dictionary, it is pronounced "hupodeigma, or hoop-od'-igue-mah" and has the following meaning, "an exhibit for imitation or warning, pattern."

This means two things as we look at the meaning here. Number one, as an exhibit for imitation. As I was sitting in the worship service at one of the local congregations as a visitor recently, I noticed a generous portion of the folks NOT singing or even going through the motions as praise was lifted to honor God. I know some people think they cannot carry a tune in a bucket if the lid was welded on, but that is not what is important. The important thing is the little ones, the non-Christians and the new Christians who are watching each of us and the kind of message we are sending them as we "worship" God, or worse, do not worship HIM as we should. Do they see it worth while to even be there or will they follow the example of those who show no enthusiasm for the reason we congregate? Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (NKJV). We are to be "little Christ's", Christians, to others around us, in the worship and outside the worship arena. Let us show some "enthusiasm" for Godly things. (By the way, the root word for enthusiasm in the Greek means "God In").

Secondly, the word means to be an example as a warning. I see this as two fold as well. First, to warn others of the wrath of God that will come on those who are disobedient to HIM, as His Word so clearly states; and second as a person who has "been there done that" and knows the result or consequences of going down certain roads in life. We are to be ones who warn of impending doom because we are, or should be, a bit wiser than those younger in The Faith, or those who are yet to make a decision for Christ.

An example; so many today look to Hollywood or some other ungodly example and are disappointed when they fail and become less than what was expected. If you are a child of God, it cannot be expressed deeply enough as to how important it is to be a good and sincere example for the kingdom of our Lord. Now, go and do the right thing. God bless until our next time..