“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
As a child, I grew up in a two-parent household. My father and mother worked and provided for my two brothers and me. We had shelter, food, and clothes, and lived a pretty good life. My mother made sure my brothers and I attended church regularly and participated in ministry. My father, on the other hand, smoked and drank a lot, and could become very abusive.
I recall the stark contrast between my parents. How my mom was loving and attentive, and how my dad was cold and kept to himself. The vast majority of encouraging words came from my mom, while my intoxicated father reminded us of what we’d never amount to. While my brothers and I knew my father loved us, we never heard those three words growing up: “I love you.”
I’ve learned that there is no such thing as a bad example. There are only good examples. Some examples show us what to do, while other examples show us what not to do. Because of the examples I had while growing up, I matured into an adult male that would never smoke or be a drunk. I grew into a man that never hit his spouse, and became a father that frequently tells my children “I love you.”
I could easily blame my dad for problems in my life but at the end of the day, I make my own decisions. I have the example of Christ to refer to. And I have Christ-like people in my life who are good examples— family, friends, pastors, and leaders. And even when people hurt me or show me what not to do, I can still place my faith in God and follow the example of Christ.
I hope that in your own life, you study God’s word and to rely on his example to guide you. Remove negative thoughts from your mind, and believe only good examples exist.
He’s With You.
“Heavenly Father, thank you for living through others that I may see good examples of you and experience your goodness. I will continue to look to you as the head of my life and submit to your example to live by. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”