Role Models: April 28, 2010

April 28.TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY APRIL 28, 2010

ROLE MODELS

DEFINITION:

A person whose behavior in a particular social setting is imitated by others.

SCRIPTURE:

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. I John 4:7.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

We often hear people refer to another person as a role model. Webster tells us above that a role model is one that another person imitates. Stop now for a moment and think of all the people you know and write down the names of the ones that are role models to you. When you look at the list then ask yourself the question --- “Do you really know each one?” Many on your list could include movie, television, sports or even Christian personalities. But do you really know them or do you call them a potential role model because you have seen only the good from the distance.

When I (Ken) was a teenager I can remember knowing a then well known Christian leader and nationally known youth evangelist and I considered this man the best of the best. I suppose at that time I considered him a role model. But about three years later I heard of the problems this man had in life. His wife had divorced him, he had an alcohol problem and he forsook his belief in the virgin birth of Jesus.

We have talked about this sad situation in our married life many times. It became a very real warning for us to watch who we considered to be role models in our lives and to teach our children the same.

Today’s society feels it most important to have role models. The famous talk about being role models but do not seem to care if they have bad traits or fail. They still feel they are role models. Teenagers especially are influenced by role models and do not use discretion in choosing their role models. Parents must be aware of who their children are looking to as role models. Just because someone is a big “star” and famous does not make them worthy of being a role model.

Only God and Jesus are worthy to be role models. Jesus is the perfect role model because He lived in our sinful world, was tempted as we are, yet He never sinned. Look at all He has given us to build on. First of all, He loves us, and gave His life for us. Then He lived His life as the perfect example of how to live our life.

He serves as an example to us to love one another. When you love it is impossible to hate at the same time. The righteousness of God and Jesus should be the focus of our choosing our role model. Can you think of any living person better to imitate in life? God has given us His Son to pay the penalty for our sins. God has given us His Holy Spirit to lead us through life each day. God has given us time, talent and treasure to use for Him. God has given us His Word as a guide for living. What else can we want or hope for in a role model.

As believers in Christ we can still look to people as role models so we can learn from their knowledge of God’s Word and how they live their Christian lives. We need to do this with caution and wisdom. We can learn from the positives we see in their lives but we should always be alert to the possibility of failure in their lives.

We must remember that they are human just like us and vulnerable to the devil’s temptations. God and His Son alone are trust worthy. God never changes. When someone fails us we cannot blame God. God is faithful and He will never fail us.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

PRAYER:

Thank You almighty God for the model that You have given me to live a life of happiness, joy, peace and gratitude. Help me to lead my family away from the false hope given to us from those we may consider as role models in life. Help my family to look to You for all we need in life.