Dare to FollowSample

I think we’ve all been told at one point or another to “be an example” to those around us. Being an example is just another way of saying leadership. We have people who are watching us and learning about how to behave based on what we choose to do, and we shouldn’t take that responsibility lightly. To be an example means to set the standard or create the mold for how things should be done so others can follow suit. More often than not, when we’re following Jesus, the example we set isn’t what the obvious or easiest choice might be.

Scripture is full of messages that convict us to not simply do what makes sense but to act on a counterintuitive level. Turn the other cheek, rejoice in suffering, go a second mile, love your neighbor as yourself, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. In Matthew 5, Jesus drives this point home. He says,

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (verses 46 - 47).

It’s not enough to simply do what others around us are doing. We don’t lower our standards to match theirs, we show them there’s a higher way. When we follow Jesus, we must use Him as our standard. In our own strength, it seems impossible and exhausting. But Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Jesus frees us from the chains of our sin so we don’t have to walk in those ways anymore. We are free and empowered to be like Him. When we choose to follow Jesus and be an example of what He has done and what He is doing in our lives, we encourage others to follow Him.

Reflect on a situation in your life that would be easy to coast through. How is Jesus calling you to be like Him? What would it look like to “set an example” and embrace spiritual leadership in this circumstance?