Teaching By Example

It is helpful to have an example when you are in the process of learning something new. Think back to your grade school days: When the math teacher was trying to explain a new concept, perhaps you would ask, “Will you show me how? Can you give me an example of that?” When the teacher wrote out a sample problem on the board, how much clearer it all seemed.

A godly example can be a tremendous help when it comes to our Christian walk. We are blessed when we can observe role models in the faith who are weathering the storms of life and triumphing in spite of difficult circumstances. We watch them, and we learn priceless lessons.

An example of the believers

While it is wonderful to note good examples, we also have a responsibility to be an example. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). An example of the believers—what a challenge!

Recently, a single mom stood up in one of our church services and testified. She is diabetic, and a few days earlier she had seen a doctor. He gave her some news that would be hard for anyone to cope with: he informed her that she had aneurysms in both eyes and it looked like she was going blind. It was a very difficult time for her, but what really impressed me was the way she testified about it. Yes, she wanted to be healed of the affliction, but even more importantly, she wanted the Lord’s will to be done. She said, “Somehow I want the Lord lifted up through this situation.” I thought, What an example!

Of course, the church family prayed for her. She went in to see an eye specialist a few days later. He examined her eyes, using the instruments as they do, and while he did so he kept saying, “Hmm.” He would check something else, and then he would say, “Hmm.” Each time he said that, she became a bit more nervous. Finally he rolled his chair back and asked, “Why did they send you here?” He went on, “There is nothing wrong with your eyes. I don’t even see any nerve damage.” The Lord had healed her! She had submitted the whole matter to the Lord and said, “Do what You know is best,” and God worked a miracle.

An inescapable fact

Sometimes, when we are admonished to “be an example” we might think, That is just too much. I don’t care to be an example—I would rather live my own way and not worry about what others looking on may be observing. The fact is, every one of us is an example whether we like that idea or not. We do not have the option of getting out of it! The question is not “if” you are an example; it is “What kind of example will you choose to be?” You do have a choice.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy covered several areas where he was to be an example of the believers. As a young man, he had to earn the respect of his elders by setting an example in his “conversation.” This word covered a far broader scope than just the words he spoke to others; it meant his whole manner of living. His life, including the words he spoke, was to reflect godliness.

This does not mean that when we converse with one another, we must continually quote Scripture. It does not mean that we spend twenty-four hours a day engaged in Bible reading or Scripture study. What Paul was getting at was that the content of our lives, taken as a whole, should model priorities, attitudes, and actions that reflect our commitment to God. What does your life look like when you consider it as a pattern or example for others? What would people who observe you day after day learn from you? Remember, you are an example, whether you want to be or not. We have an impact on each other within the church, and we have an impact on others who are unbelievers. We want them to see Jesus, don’t we?

Recently, one of my young sons was with me in the car. Suddenly he asked, “Dad, why do you always say,‘the Lord willing’?” I thought, Okay, why do I say that phrase, and how do I translate its meaning into simple terms that would make sense to him? More importantly, my attention was drawn to the fact that our little ones are listening to what we say!

The reaction test

Timothy was instructed to be an example of believers “in faith.” One litmus test of our faith is how we react to bad things. Yes, we are human, and even though God has given us a new nature, we are subject to the frailties of our humanity. When we face troubling situations, how do we respond? Do we fall apart mentally or emotionally, or do we automatically look to God to carry us through—thus modeling faith in Him?

I serve in the Air Force Reserves, and the other day I needed to give some bad news to my commander. Someone once told me that bad news does not grow better with time, so I thought, I might as well get this over with. As I was preparing to deliver this news, my mind was painting quite a picture of what I figured would transpire. I thought, I will say this, and then he will probably say that. Then I will probably say this or maybe I will say that. I was going through all the options when it was almost like the Lord whispered, “Why don’t you pray about it?” Oh, yes! So I prayed about it. Then I steeled myself and made the phone call. My commander responded with, “That is not a problem.” Just like that!

Situations may not always resolve as easily as that one, though we are glad when they do. Whichever way it goes—an easy and quick resolution or a protracted test of endurance—if we trust the Lord, we will be an example of faith to other believers. We will encourage others; we will have a positive impact on those around us.

Have some standards!

Paul went on to tell Timothy to be an example of the believers “in purity.” There are standards in the Gospel. What is holiness? What is righteousness? What is godliness? A lot goes into those words. Have some standards in your life that will reflect those virtues.

Recently, a group of us went out to have pizza. As we were sitting in the restaurant talking and enjoying the time together, a television up on the wall was on. I was not paying any attention to it, but all of a sudden one of the young mothers in the group got up and talked to the manager. Something on that television conflicted with her standard, and she said, “That is not appropriate. Will you please turn it off?” If you have a standard of righteousness in your heart, let it show! You will be an example to the believers.

A challenge to young people

Young people of dating age, have some standards! Keep purity right out there in front. God will bless you for it. When you come to that point where you say, “This is the one I would like to spend the rest of my life with,” you will have no regrets. Be an example of the believers in purity.

Finally, Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example of the believers “in charity.” When we mention love, the natural thing is to think about Jesus. He did not just talk about love, He lived it! He did something about it. He gave His life for mankind—that is how much He loved each of us. What an example!

God wants each of us to consistently influence others in a positive manner. It is by the grace of God that we can be an ongoing example. He has given us the ability to do so. As long as we follow Him, we help and encourage each other. If we try to be a good example in our strength alone, the results will be temporary. With God in the heart, however, we have a resource that will sustain us. He helps us set an example that will last—one that people will still talk about years after we die—not to our glory, but to God’s glory!

Will you be an example for God?

Mike Friesen is on the ministerial staff of the Apostolic Faith Church in Chehalis, Washington.