Power to Influence

We all have role models, whether we know it or not. When we’re children, we unconsciously model ourselves on our parents and start speaking and acting as they do. Friends can influence how we talk and what we like, and we can even have people we aspire to be like – maybe sporting heroes, famous musicians, or authors.

Not only do we all have role models, but we can all be role models too, even if we don’t know it. We have the power to influence our siblings, friends, classmates, and anyone we spend time with, even if we’re not doing it on purpose.

In the passage today, we learn about how a group of Christians had set Jesus as their role model. By trying to live as Jesus did, they inspired others to do the same and became good role models themselves. Through this, the passage says, their “faith in God has become known everywhere.” What an awesome example! They turned from their disobedience to God and became good role models for him instead.

We should follow a similar example. There are a lot of people who can influence us, but the most important one for us to follow is Jesus, and after him, anyone who is following him too. Jesus has set the perfect example of how to live in a way that’s not only good for us but those around us. Through the way we live, we can show what our faith looks like in action.

What we do matters, and we should use our power to be a good model of Jesus’ love.

Questions: 

1. What are some things Jesus did or said that inspire you? How could you follow that example in your own life? 
2. Can you think of someone who is a role model to you? Is it someone who models Jesus’ love? 
3. Can you think of a time you’ve said or done something that might have given someone the wrong idea about what it means to follow Jesus? What could you have done differently?

Prayer:

Loving God, you have given me friends and family who influence me and who I influence. Please help me to show what it means to follow Jesus in front of others so that they might see your love for them. Thank you for giving me the perfect role model to follow in Jesus. Amen.