Articles
The Power of Example
There are many avenues of influence available to us as we seek to do good in this life: words of exhortation or correction; direct teaching of God’s word; acts of service for those in need; etc. But one of our greatest assets may be overlooked and, thus, under-appreciated. That asset is our example.
Example is more than an excuse for effortlessness. It can become a lazy default setting if we lack zeal for the Lord, but this is mere neglect of our rightful responsibility. Our example will only be a powerful force for good if we understand that power and deliberately nurture and protect it so that it reaches its full potency.
Humans are prone to take cues from others. This isn’t all bad, but it certainly places a premium on who we take our cues from. But from parents to polls, from to trends to fads, from celebrities to spouses, we are both influencers and the influenced probably to a greater degree than we realize.
Paul tells the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). As may be reflected in the typeset of your Bible, this verse best serves as the conclusion to chapter 10 rather than the beginning of chapter 11. That being the case, it concludes a context that began in chapter 8 where Paul turned his attention to the Corinthians’ interactions with idolaters. The problem they faced was the degree to which they must distance themselves from idolatry: Can we eat in an idol’s temple, knowing that idols are non-entities? Can we buy meat at the market that likely came from a sacrifice to an idol? Can we accept our idolatrous neighbor’s dinner invitation? What if the meat he serves was sacrificed to an idol?
In dealing with these aspects of their former lifestyle vs. their current walk with Christ, Paul warns of negatively influencing others through example: “Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?” (8:9-11).
What “knowledge” does he refer to? It is the knowledge that idols are false gods, figments of the imagination of those who make and worship them (8:4-6). This is a true conclusion, but “there is not in everyone that knowledge” (8:7). Thus, if the strong acting on correct knowledge set an example for the weak to fall, they have contributed to that fall.
Thus Paul says, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (8:13). Paul accepts responsibility for his example, and he spends two more chapters arguing the various nuances of the issue. Some of the Corinthians apparently felt that they were not responsible for their influence on others; they could do what they wanted because they knew the truth about idols. But Paul says they (and we) cannot be that dismissive of our example and its impact on the lives of those around us. He concludes with this exhortation: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me …” (10:31-11:1).
Here are some other aspects, both positive and negative, of our example:
1. You don’t have to be present to be an example. A positive application: Your legacy of faithfulness and godly character can influence future generations for good (Jsh 24:31; 2 Chr 24:15-18). When we pass from this life, only a smattering of all our words and actions will be remembered. How will those impressions characterize you? Will your memory inspire others, burden them or be of no consequence? We are daily writing our own epitaph, and a faithful life is the best gift bequeathed to our heirs.
A negative application: Absence from worship or non-involvement with our spiritual family nullifies influence and sets an example of undependability. Those who shoulder the load are left to wonder about the indifference of their fellows who seem to have no concern for the work that needs to be done.
2. Our example may impact others in ways we didn’t intend. Enter “the law of unintended consequences.” Lacking appreciation of our true impact on others, our behavior may set an example that we never dreamed someone else would follow and possibly suffer harm from. And those followers, lacking foresight themselves, often take our example further than our original action. This is just the way life works. Watch an older and a younger child play. The older one does something; the younger one mimics it. But the younger one may not understand the danger or is not coordinated enough to safely do what the older one did. So part of the nurturing and maturation process is to help the older child understand that he has an impact on younger siblings and friends. It is clear from watching adults that this lesson is sometimes never learned.
3. Our spiritual example is more valuable now that people greatly de-value Scripture. It is somewhat amusing that some authors, motivational speakers and self-help gurus base their advice on Bible principles. If their delighted audiences knew the “conventional wisdom” actually came from Scripture, they turn their nose up in disgust. But people recognize practical value when their prejudice is suppressed. While we may not write best-sellers or have a million twitter followers, we come in contact with unsaved people every day. They may spurn a conversation about the Bible or God, but rest assured they are watching and listening. And skeptics are always looking to exploit inconsistencies in those of faith. We must take extra care to represent Christ well.
4. It doesn’t take much to nullify your example. “Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecc 10:1). If we want our example to be positive and effective, we must guard our actions carefully. We regularly see celebrities and other public figures crash and burn over small missteps. Guard your words. Act prudently. Protect your influence and reputation. Consider your impact on others. Love your neighbor and seek to represent Christ in the most effective way possible. Whether we realize it or not, people are watching. Do they see Christ in us? Are we lifting them up or bringing them down?
