by Mike Cooner
Synopsis: Godly examples effectively illustrate divine commandments. Paul said, “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:17).
Examples are some of the most powerful tools we have to influence others, either for good or evil. Jesus, when teaching others, did not just command His disciples to obey Him, but He also lived a life full of unselfish examples to teach us how we should live. When Jesus honored the poor widow for her example of sacrificial giving, it was after He had first left the glory and riches of heaven to walk on the earth without even as much as a place to lay His head (Luke 21:1-4; Matt. 8:20). When Jesus taught his disciples about serving one another, He did so by washing their feet (John 13:1-17). When Jesus taught about love and obedience, He showed His own love and obedience toward His Father (John 14:15, 21; Matt. 26:39; Heb. 5:8-9).
Paul also had a lot to say about examples. He reminded a young Timothy: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Paul reminded the Corinthians that those who fell in the wilderness and were destroyed were their examples that they should not follow in their rebellion and sin. “But with most of them, God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. . . Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Cor. 10:5-11). While the Bible is filled with many examples that have the power for good in our lives if we follow them, there are also examples that have the power for evil if we follow them.
The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians, “Do not be deceived: ‘evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Cor. 15:33). The writer of Hebrews warns of consequences if we follow the evil examples of others, “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Heb. 4:11). The Proverb writer says, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on” (Prov. 4:14-15).
What about you and me? Are we using the power of our example for good or evil? The answer will be found in who we choose to follow. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).
The New King James Version (NKJV). Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
