SETTING AN EXAMPLE

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

“Quality of Life Series”

11/02/04

LEADER: “Do as I say not as I do.”

Ever heard that….ever been guilty of that?

“Your actions speak so loudly I can hardly hear what you say.”

Do you lead by example?

Good or bad?

How important is it for our deeds to match or words?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #1

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Example is the best precept.”

Aesop 620-560 BC, Greek Fabulist

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #2

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words.”

Phillips Brooks 1835-1893, American Minister, Poet

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #3

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“I've always led by example and I'm not that vocal.”

Scottie Pippen American Basketball Player

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #4

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“It is easier to exemplify values than teach them.”

Theodore M. Hesburgh 1917- Clergyman, University President

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #5

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Well done, is better than well said.”

Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790, Scientist, Publisher, Diplomat

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Symbols of Power” By Neil Eskelin

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon8/symbols_of_power.htm

"How can someone get rid of the image that they are pressuring people to perform?"
One proven method is to squash the symbols of power so that all of your associates feel they are on an equal footing. Here's how some have accomplished that objective:
A bank manager in Norfolk removed his name from the most coveted parking spot and replaced it with a sign, "Employee of the month." He parked with the rest of the staff.
The guidance counselor at a middle school in Jacksonville decided to walk the halls and playgrounds two hours every day, engaging students in informal conversations.
The head honcho of a computer software company in Palo Alto, California, halted the practice of eating lunch with his top people in the private executive dining room. Instead, he ate in the company cafeteria -- making certain he sat at a different table each time.
In Cleveland, the president of a wholesale paper company turned his office into an employee lounge and created a rather open office space for himself right in the middle of the warehouse.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #6

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Nothing preaches better than the act.”

Benjamin Franklin

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #7

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“You have to set the tone and the pace, define objectives and strategies, demonstrate through personal example what you expect from others.”

Stanley C. Gault, CEO Rubbermade then Goodyear, now Avon

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #8

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“This, then, is the test we must set for ourselves; not to march alone but to march in such a way that others will wish to join us.”

Hubert H. Humphrey 1911-1978, Democratic Vice President

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #9

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

Nothing is so contagious as an example. We never do great good or evil without bringing about more of the same on the part of others.

Francois De La Rochefoucauld 1613-1680, French Writer

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #10

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Practice what you preach.”

Proverb

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #11

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“I don't know any other way to lead but by example.”

Don Shula, Former Miami Dolphins coach

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #12

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_example.html

“He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.”

Sir Francis Bacon 1561-1626 Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Communion in Virginia”

Today in the Word, September, 1991, p. 15.

http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

One Sunday morning in 1865, a black man entered a fashionable church in Richmond, Virginia. When Communion was served, he walked down the aisle and knelt at the altar. A rustle of resentment swept the congregation. How dare he! After all, believers in that church used the common cup. Suddenly a distinguished layman stood up, stepped forward to the altar, and knelt beside the black man. With Robert E. Lee setting the example, the rest of the congregation soon followed his lead.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #13

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Example is leadership.”

Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965, German Born Medical Missionary, Theologian, Musician, and Philosopher

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “No Nazi Flag”

Today in the Word, MBI, August, 1991, p. 13.

http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

During the Nazi occupation of his country in WWII, King Christian X of Denmark noticed a Nazi flag flying over a Danish public building. He immediately called the German commandant, demanding that the flag be taken down at once. The commandant refused. "Then a soldier will go and take it down." said the king. "He will be shot," threatened the commandant. "I think not," replied the king, "for I shall be the soldier." Within minutes the flag was taken down.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Follow My Example” By Peter Kennedy

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon6/follow_my_example.htm

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." –

1 Corinthians 11:1
General George Marshall was called America's foremost soldier during World War II, serving as chief of staff from 1939 to 1945, while building and directing the largest army in history. He was a 1901 graduate of Virginia Military Institute and worked his way up through the ranks to become the most powerful military architect during World War II.

After retiring from the military, he served as secretary of state from 1947 to 1949 under President Truman. He formulated the "Marshall Plan", an unprecedented program of economic and military aid to the rebuilding of Europe, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1953. In 1927, Marshall became Assistant commandant of the Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia.

When he arrived, he found the fort in a generally run-down condition. Rather than use his rank as lieutenant colonel to issue orders for specific improvements, he simply got out his own paintbrushes, lawn equipment, and other tools; and went to work on his personal quarters. The other officers and men, first on his block, then throughout the fort, did the same thing, and Fort Benning was brightened up. Leadership by example.
We all need godly examples to follow as we follow Christ. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for those men and women who have been godly examples to you and pray that you would be an example of Christ to others.
"God has no more precious gift to a church or an age than a man who lives as an embodiment of His will, and inspires those around him with the faith of what grace can do." - Andrew Murray
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." - 1 Peter 2:21

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “An Unmistakable Difference” By Steve Flairty

The Upper Room 11/20/02

http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?start_pos=1&item_id=99825

Be holy yourselves in all your conduct.

-1 Peter 1:15

I fear that many modern Christians have blended in with secular society to the point that we may be losing our "difference." While working my summer job at a warehouse I met Walter, another Christian, and we formed an immediate bond. Although we differ in some of our viewpoints, we often talked and encouraged each other in our faith walk.

I noticed my co-workers would often good-naturedly tease Walter about his clean and devout lifestyle, a definite contrast to that of many of the others. Our co-workers were well aware of Walter's "unworldly" ways, yet they respected him for his faith. However, I was not aware of anyone pointing out any peculiarity about me. This made me wonder about my own witness. Was I no different than a non-Christian?

God desires that our faith make a real and visible difference in our lives, one that brings about a significant reaction from others - as Walter's attitude and conduct do.

LEADER: And how do we live each day to set an example to the next generations?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Examples of Christ” By John W. Warner

The Upper Room 3/07/00

http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?start_pos=1&item_id=17230

Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

When I was in high school, I had the only air pump on the block, so I pumped up all the basketballs in the neighborhood.

One day, John, who was in grade school, brought me his basketball. I pumped it up and handed it back to him. He tossed it up and down on his hand and gave me an inquisitive look.

"Scooter," he asked, "why do you spit on the needle?"

"It makes the needle go into the ball a little easier and keeps it from bending," I replied.

Then he said, "I always spit on the needle too, because you do it, but I always wondered why."

His response startled me! What else would he do simply because I did it?

LEADER: “Examples of Christ” By John W. Warner CONTINUED

The Upper Room 3/07/00

http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?start_pos=1&item_id=17230

We all have a person like John in our lives. Somebody - a friend, a family member, a person we don't even know is influenced by our example. If we live as an example to others by following the example of Jesus Christ, then those who imitate us will be led to the light of Christ.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Titus 2:1-10 (EVERYONE TURN TO)
Duties of the Older and Younger
¹   But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.
²  Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. ³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ⁴  so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵ to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. ⁶ Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; ⁷  in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, ⁸ sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
⁹  Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰ not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “A Good Teacher”

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-06-12-01.shtml

In all things [show] yourself to be a pattern of good works. —Titus 2:7

While a student at Bryan College, I came to know Bible teacher Irving Jensen. He was well-known for his course on Bible-study methods, and he has published dozens of books and magazine articles on the subject. He believed deeply in what he taught and was a very effective and influential teacher.

Jensen was so effective because he lived what he taught. His speech was sometimes hesitant, and he didn't use flashy classroom techniques, but he loved his students and taught us to love the Word of God by the way he lived and what he taught. He lived out the words of Titus 2:7-8, "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you."

We are to back up what we say about Christ with a lifestyle that is above reproach and cannot be condemned by our enemies. Our lives are to be so exemplary that people around us are attracted to the truth about Christ (v.10).

Our words and our way of living should exemplify the message of Christ. By words and by deeds—that's how to be a good teacher. —(DCE)

A teacher is more than a person who knows,
He instructs with his words and his ways;
Lord, give us the grace to reveal who You are,
And to model Your truth all our days. —Egner

A good teacher not only knows the way but shows the way.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Exodus 20:1-17 (ALL TURN IN YOUR BIBLES)

The Ten Commandments
¹   Then God spoke all these words, saying,
²   "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
³   "You shall have no other gods before Me.
⁴   "You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.
⁵   " You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,
⁶   but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
⁷   " You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
⁸   "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
⁹   " Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
¹⁰   but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.
¹¹   " For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.
¹²   "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
¹³   "You shall not murder.
¹⁴   "You shall not commit adultery.
¹⁵   "You shall not steal.
¹⁶   "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
¹⁷   "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Murphy’s Laws” Our Daily Bread 5/20/02

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-05-20-02.shtml

You shall have no other gods before Me. —Exodus 20:3

Murphy's Laws are observations about life that seem to have the weight of experience behind them. You've probably heard this one: "If anything can go wrong, it will." Here's another one: "You can't do just one thing; everything has its consequences."

My own experience seems to confirm many of Murphy's Laws, but it's that second one that I would hang on the wall as a motto. Wrong choices have their consequences. For example, if a man or woman chooses to live for pleasure, that will affect their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (Exodus 20:4-5). If you walk away from God, you may discover that your children have taken that trip with you. Later, even if you return to Him, they may not.

But there is also good news. Devotion to the Lord has its consequences too. Men and women who live in faith before God can have a strong influence on their children and their children's children. If they live a long life, they can witness the effect their faith has had on several generations. What satisfaction it brings to older people to see their posterity living for Christ!

So Murphy and the Bible agree on this point: "You can't do just one thing; everything has its consequences." (HWR)

If you sow seeds of wickedness,
Sin's harvest you will reap;
But scattered seeds of righteousness
Yield blessings you can keep. —Sper

People who follow Christ lead others in the right direction.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Statistics and Stuff” #1 Charis Conn, Ed., What Counts: The Complete Harper's Index.

http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

Percentage of American teens who say they want to be like their parents: 39%.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Statistics and Stuff” #2 Bottom Line, in Homemade, November, 1985.

http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

Children who see physical violence between their parents are six times more likely to abuse their own spouses after they marry. If those children were also hit by their parents as teenagers, they are 12 times more likely to abuse their spouses.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Statistics and Stuff” #3 Warren Mueller in Homemade, May, 1990.

http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

A study once disclosed that if both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 72% of their children remain faithful. If only Dad, 55% remain faithful. If only Mom, 15%. If neither attended regularly, only 6% remain faithful. The statistics speak for themselves--the example of parents and adults is more important than all the efforts of the church and Sunday School.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Life Shadowing” Our Daily Bread 12/01/98

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-12-01-98.shtml

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. --1 Corinthians 11:1

When our daughter Julie was a high school senior, she had the opportunity to "job shadow" for 2 weeks. She went "on the job" to find out firsthand about two professions that had captured her interest. For the first week, she sat in on the classes of a math teacher at another school. For the second week, she shadowed a college basketball coach.

The idea of shadowing is a vital one, because it emphasizes the importance of example. A person who is being shadowed knows he or she is setting an example for the student.

We are all participants in a process that might be called "life shadowing." If we are parents, our children shadow us all the time, learning how to act as adults. At work, we have fellow employees who notice our reactions to all kinds of situations. In our community, our neighbors observe us and see how Christians live, even when we don't realize they are watching.

Is our life worthy of shadowing? Does our example lead others in the right direction? Paul said that his life was worth shadowing because he followed Jesus--the ultimate example (1 Corinthians 11:1).

If you want to become a worthy example for others, shadow the Savior! –(JDB)

You're teaching a lesson each day that you live;
Your actions are blazing a trail
That others will follow for good or for ill;
You'll help them or cause them to fail. --Bosch

To cast a good shadow, walk in God's light.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 3:12-17
¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Is My Uniform On?” Our Daily Bread 8/01/94

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-08-01-94.shtml

Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. -- Colossians 3:12

He was often addressed as "Sir." When he told people something, they believed him. And when he gave an order, they were quick to obey. Robinson concluded, "I guess the clothes made the difference. And in uniform, I acted with more confidence."

In Colossians 3, the apostle Paul told followers of Christ to put on a new uniform. First he described the clothes we are to "put off" (vv.8-9). Then he told us what kind of uniform we are to "put on" (vv.12-14). In place of anger, wrath, slander, dirty language, and lies, we are to put on mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

Most people respond positively to someone with these virtues. Their respect grows. They talk and act differently toward such a person. They listen to his words, acknowledge his authority, and are drawn to the God he represents.

What you wear makes a big difference. So ask yourself this question: Do I have my spiritual uniform on? -- (DCE)

Lord, may I live that all may see
The love of Christ revealed in me,
And help me flee all sin and shame
Lest others scoff at Your dear name. --DJD

Can people tell that Christ is in you before you tell them?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #14

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.”

Dwight L. Moody 1837-1899, American Evangelist

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 1:9-12
⁹ For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Medal of Honor” Our Daily Bread 5/31/99

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-05-31-99.shtml

[We pray] that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work. --Colossians 1:10

They meet every year, a group of ordinary and unassuming veterans who have one thing in common--their nation's highest military award for bravery.

Almost all of them agree that the Congressional Medal of Honor has transformed and redefined their lives. For many, it has thrust them into the public eye. One recipient, assessing its effect on his thought and behavior, said, "You're representing everybody and everything the medal represents."

As Christians, we share a distinguishing mark more defining than any medal--the name of Christ. We profess to be followers of Jesus, servants of the Lord. For that reason, the apostle Paul prayed for his fellow believers to "walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him" (Col. 1:10). He urged Christians to be "fruitful" in good works and to be characterized by such qualities as patience, joy, and thankfulness (vv.11-12).

Our conduct should not be guided by expectations that come from ourselves or the people around us. They must come from the Lord, who has redeemed us, called us, and given us His name. Rather than feeling trapped by a set of external standards, we can celebrate the honor of bearing Christ's name and the freedom of pleasing only Him. --DCM

Lord, may I live that all may see
The love of Christ revealed in me;
And help me flee all sin and shame,
Lest others scoff at Your dear name. --DJD

You honor God's name when you call Him your Father

and live like His Son.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #15 http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

“A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.”

C.H. Spurgeon 1834-1892) Baptist preacher, Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: I Thessalonians 1:6-7

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “You Are a Role Model”

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-09-03-94.shtml Our Daily Bread 9/3.94

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. --1 Corinthians 11:1.

As we grow up, we have many role models, people who inspire us-- parents, teachers, athletes, political leaders, characters in novels and in the pages of history.

The Bible also gives us many role models. The apostle Paul, for one, is a challenging example of discipleship. In fact, he held himself up as a pattern for all Christians to follow. "Imitate me," he urged, "just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). He knew, of course, that he could serve as a godly example only if he faithfully followed his Lord.

Paul commended the Thessalonians because they followed him and the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6). They became examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia, and they were well-known for their faith in God (vv.7-8).

As we copy Paul, who himself was copying the Savior, we in turn become models who are being copied. What is the quality of our spiritual influence? Negative or positive? Remember, it can't be neutral. No one can rightly say, "I'm not a role model." -- (VCG)

We cannot live our lives alone,
For other lives we touch
Are either strengthened by our own
Or weakened just as much. --Anon.

The best role models model Christ.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Hudson Taylor Bio” http://www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations/theDetails.asp?whichOne=e&whichFile=example

Years ago the communist government in China commissioned an author to write a biography of missionary Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) with the purpose of distorting the facts and presenting him in a bad light. They wanted to discredit the name of this consecrated missionary of the gospel. As the author was doing his research, he was increasingly impressed by Taylor's saintly character and godly life, and he found it extremely difficult to carry out his assigned task with a clear conscience. Eventually, at the risk of losing his life, he laid aside his pen, renounced his atheism, and received Jesus as his personal Savior. Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #16

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“A young girl was asked: ''Whose preaching brought you to Christ?'' ''It wasn't anybody's preaching; it was Aunt Mary's practicing.''

George E. Mueller 1918-, American Engineer

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #17

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Example has more followers than reason. We unconsciously imitate what pleases us, and approximate to the characters we most admire.”

Christian Nevell Bovee 1820-1904, American Author, Lawyer

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Positive Thinking” By Pastor Ron EXCERPT

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon2c/positive_thinking.htm

We must seek to be influenced by Christlike models. No matter how you were raised or who has influenced your life, you can move beyond those limitations by taking Christ as your example and consciously trying to live as he did. Today, more than ever, we need to be careful about the input we allow to form our beliefs. With TV, music, movies, and the rest of the media often presenting sinful life-styles, an emphasis on all that is bad and unwholesome values, we find ourselves constantly bombarded by attitudes and beliefs that are totally opposed to the Bible. Be careful about what you allow to form your opinions. The Bible is the only standard of truth. Evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings. And the Bible contains the two great truths that must guide our attitude to life: that whoever believes in God shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16), and that through repentance our past sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38,39)

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Responding With Hope”

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-08-28-01.shtml Our Daily Bread 8/28/01

When the people in Colorado Springs, Colorado, learned that Jed Jackson, a popular local TV sportscaster, was losing his battle with cancer, they sent thousands of e-mails, letters, and cards to him. In response to the outpouring of encouragement, Jed wrote an article that was printed on the front page of the newspaper the day after his death. In it he said:

"It has been my sincere privilege to serve this wonderful community, which has given me so much in return. The Lord has blessed my life in every possible way. He has given me my wife of 19 years, my three splendid children, and more friends than a man should be allowed to have. I am overwhelmed by the kind regards so many of you have sent. Truly, my cup runneth over. Never forget that, with Jesus, the best is yet to come."

As he spoke of his hope in Christ, Jed modeled what the apostle Paul had challenged every Christian to do: "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside . . . . Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:5-6).

Each day, we are to yield ourselves fully to Jesus, so that we may live wisely and respond graciously to others about the One who gives us the assurance of eternal life. (DCM)

Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee,
My life controlled by power divine,
That I a shining light may be
From which Thy grace may ever shine. —Robertson

A Christlike life can be a message of hope to a searching world.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Changing the World”

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon2/changing_the_world.htm

The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:

If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: 2 Corinthians 5:17-20

¹⁷ Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. ¹⁸ Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, ¹⁹ namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Representing God” Our Daily Bread 12/10/01

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-12-10-01.shtml

We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. —2 Corinthians 5:20

When I stepped up to the checkpoint so I could enter the prison, I was told that my identification card had been misplaced. The guard had to fill out a temporary permission slip so I could get in and teach Bible classes to some of the inmates. After I showed her my driver's license, she filled out the slip and I was allowed in. When I glanced at the piece of paper, I laughed. In the space provided to indicate who I was representing, the guard had written "God."

Later, as I drove home, I thought about that permission slip more seriously. The guard may have had a sense of humor, but she was right! Even though I was representing a prison ministry, I was really representing God. I am glad the guard made that connection.

Paul said to the Corinthians, "We are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20). As such, we have a responsibility to "walk properly toward those who are outside" the faith (1 Thessalonians 4:12). As followers of Jesus Christ, we represent God wherever we are, and in whatever we do. On the job, in the neighborhood, on the softball team, or on the highway, we are His representatives.

Lord, help us to represent You faithfully in every area of our lives. Amen. —(DCE)

Wherever I am, whatever I do,
O God, please help me to live
In a way that makes me credible
As Your representative. —Egner

Christ sends us out to bring others in.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “A Platform of Respect” Our Daily Bread 7/20/00

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-07-20-00.shtml EXCERPT

This is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. —1 Peter 2:15

No matter how long we've been Christians, we can speak a word for Christ. But the Bible points out the value of a consistent life in constructing a credible platform for an effective witness. Peter says that our "conduct" is to be "honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God" (1 Peter 2:12).

What we say can never be separated from who we are and what we do. If we want to speak effectively to others about Christ, there must be a platform of respect. —(DCM)

You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say;
Men read what you write, whether faithless or true,
Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? —Gilbert

People will listen to you carefully

if they see you living faithfully.

LEADER: “Closer To Thee” by Vickie Lambdin

http://www.sermonillustrator.org/illustrator/sermon7/closer_to_thee.htm

Please, teach me to walk, Lord;

A little closer to thee,

Show me through your eyes,

What you want me to see.

Let your light be my beacon;

So, I can lead some lost soul,

Away from this world, Lord,

And into your fold.

Just help me to walk, Lord;

A little closer to you,

Let your love light shine on me,

When each day is brand new.

Let me be an example;

To those without Faith,

Just let your love light surround me,

So, I can show them your Grace.

LEADER: QUOTE #18

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Example

“Be careful how you live; you will be the only Bible some people ever read.”

(William J. Toms)

LEADER: Our President for the next four years will be elected today.

Let’s pray the Lord places in office a man who has a heart for Him, who will seek His counsel in all things, a man who will be the example of Christian leadership for our nation and the world. And let’s thank Him for our President who has done that for the last four years.

COMMENTS IF TIME:

STOP AT 10 TILL FOR

PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:

CUT AND DISTRIBUTE FOR READING:

QUOTE #1

“Example is the best precept.”

Aesop 620-560 BC, Greek Fabulist

QUOTE #2

“A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words.”

Phillips Brooks 1835-1893, American Minister, Poet

QUOTE #3

“I've always led by example and I'm not that vocal.”

Scottie Pippen American Basketball Player

QUOTE #4

“It is easier to exemplify values than teach them.”

Theodore M. Hesburgh 1917- Clergyman, University President

QUOTE #5

“Well done, is better than well said.”

Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790, Scientist, Publisher, Diplomat

“Symbols of Power”

QUOTE #6

“Nothing preaches better than the act.”

Benjamin Franklin

QUOTE #7

“You have to set the tone and the pace, define objectives and strategies, demonstrate through personal example what you expect from others.”

Stanley C. Gault, CEO Rubbermade then Goodyear, now Avon

QUOTE #8

“This, then, is the test we must set for ourselves; not to march alone but to march in such a way that others will wish to join us.”

Hubert H. Humphrey 1911-1978, Democratic Vice President

QUOTE #9

Nothing is so contagious as an example. We never do great good or evil without bringing about more of the same on the part of others.

Francois De La Rochefoucauld 1613-1680, French Writer

QUOTE #10

“Practice what you preach.”

Proverb

QUOTE #11

“I don't know any other way to lead but by example.”

Don Shula, Former Miami Dolphins coach

QUOTE #12

Sir Francis Bacon 1561-1626 Author

“Communion in Virginia”

QUOTE #13

“Example is leadership.”

Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965, German Born Medical Missionary, Theologian, Musician, and Philosopher

“No Nazi Flag”

“Follow My Example”

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." –1 Corinthians 11:1

General George Marshall was called America's foremost soldier during World War II, serving as chief of staff from 1939 to 1945, while building and directing the largest army in history. He was a 1901 graduate of Virginia Military Institute and worked his way up through the ranks to become the most powerful military architect during World War II.

“An Unmistakable Difference”

Be holy yourselves in all your conduct. -1 Peter 1:15

God desires that our faith make a real and visible difference in our lives, one that brings about a significant reaction from others - as Walter's attitude and conduct do.

“Examples of Christ”

Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

When I was in high school, I had the only air pump on the block, so I pumped up all the basketballs in the neighborhood.

One day, John, who was in grade school, brought me his basketball. I pumped it up and handed it back to him. He tossed it up and down on his hand and gave me an inquisitive look.

"Scooter," he asked, "why do you spit on the needle?"

"It makes the needle go into the ball a little easier and keeps it from bending," I replied.

Then he said, "I always spit on the needle too, because you do it, but I always wondered why."

His response startled me! What else would he do simply because I did it?

Titus 2:1-10

“A Good Teacher”

In all things [show] yourself to be a pattern of good works. —Titus 2:7

Our words and our way of living should exemplify the message of Christ. By words and by deeds—that's how to be a good teacher.

A teacher is more than a person who knows,
He instructs with his words and his ways;
Lord, give us the grace to reveal who You are,
And to model Your truth all our days. —Egner

A good teacher not only knows the way but shows the way.

Exodus 20:1-17

“Murphy’s Laws”

You shall have no other gods before Me. —Exodus 20:3

So Murphy and the Bible agree on this point: "You can't do just one thing; everything has its consequences."

If you sow seeds of wickedness,
Sin's harvest you will reap;
But scattered seeds of righteousness
Yield blessings you can keep. —Sper

People who follow Christ lead others in the right direction.

“Statistics and Stuff” #1

Percentage of American teens who say they want to be like their parents: 39%.

“Statistics and Stuff” #2

“Statistics and Stuff” #3

Colossians 3:12-17

“Life Shadowing”

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. --1 Corinthians 11:1

The idea of shadowing is a vital one, because it emphasizes the importance of example. A person who is being shadowed knows he or she is setting an example for the student.

Is our life worthy of shadowing? Does our example lead others in the right direction? Paul said that his life was worth shadowing because he followed Jesus--the ultimate example (1 Corinthians 11:1).

If you want to become a worthy example for others, shadow the Savior!

You're teaching a lesson each day that you live;
Your actions are blazing a trail
That others will follow for good or for ill;
You'll help them or cause them to fail. --Bosch

To cast a good shadow, walk in God's light.

“Is My Uniform On?”

Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. -- Colossians 3:12

Ken Robinson, who is now a pastor, at one time served as a police officer. He said people treated him differently when he was in uniform than when he was off duty and wearing plain clothes. Something about the badge and "blues" gained him instant respect and authority. He was often addressed as "Sir." When he told people something, they believed him. And when he gave an order, they were quick to obey. Robinson concluded, "I guess the clothes made the difference. And in uniform, I acted with more confidence."

What you wear makes a big difference. So ask yourself this question: Do I have my spiritual uniform on? --

Lord, may I live that all may see
The love of Christ revealed in me,
And help me flee all sin and shame
Lest others scoff at Your dear name. --DJD

Can people tell that Christ is in you before you tell them?

QUOTE #14

“Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.”

Dwight L. Moody 1837-1899, American Evangelist

Colossians 1:9-12

“Medal of Honor”

We pray] that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work. --Colossians 1:10

They meet every year, a group of ordinary and unassuming veterans who have one thing in common--their nation's highest military award for bravery.

Lord, may I live that all may see
The love of Christ revealed in me;
And help me flee all sin and shame,
Lest others scoff at Your dear name. --DJD

You honor God's name when you call Him your Father

and live like His Son.

QUOTE #15

C.H. Spurgeon 1834-1892) Baptist preacher, Author

I Thessalonians 1:6-7

“You Are a Role Model”

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. --1 Corinthians 11:1.

As we grow up, we have many role models, people who inspire us-- parents, teachers, athletes, political leaders, characters in novels and in the pages of history.

We cannot live our lives alone,
For other lives we touch
Are either strengthened by our own
Or weakened just as much. --Anon.

The best role models model Christ.

“Hudson Taylor Bio”

QUOTE #16

“A young girl was asked: ''Whose preaching brought you to Christ?'' ''It wasn't anybody's preaching; it was Aunt Mary's practicing.''

George E. Mueller 1918-, American Engineer

QUOTE #17

“Example has more followers than reason. We unconsciously imitate what pleases us, and approximate to the characters we most admire.”

Christian Nevell Bovee 1820-1904, American Author, Lawyer

“Positive Thinking”

“Responding With Hope”

Each day, we are to yield ourselves fully to Jesus, so that we may live wisely and respond graciously to others about the One who gives us the assurance of eternal life.

Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee,
My life controlled by power divine,
That I a shining light may be
From which Thy grace may ever shine. —Robertson

A Christlike life can be a message of hope to a searching world.

“Changing the World”

The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the Crypts of Westminster Abbey:

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:

If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

“Representing God”