Be The Example

For the first 25 years of my life I was looking for the model.

My Dad, my first church elder, my first mentor all were men I expected to be the role model. Where possible I saw how they lived and was keen to see how the living was done. To an extent I noticed where they failed. In some cases the character flaws were glaring and off-putting.

Every time I saw a failing it made me think again as to whether or not these were men worth following. As I subsequently discovered, it was exactly because these men had flaws that I could learn how to follow these men only in as much as they followed Christ.

This liberated the men from being perfect (though it didn’t mean they were not accountable). This liberated me from the pressure of looking for absolute perfection in them.

It came to a stage, however, where I began to take the hint from my main mentors. It was not for me to just sit and glean from these men. It was for me to see Jesus for myself in every day relationship and through the Word about Him. It was for me in my regular communication with God to see Him, hear Him and follow Him. Then it was for me to be prepared to be the example for those looking on.

A big problem I have with some expressions of leadership in church, is that it’s usual done with little to no tangible relationship. A man has a title but his life is not transparent to those looking on. He’s expected to ‘lead’, but we’re not allowed to see who he is.

Unlike Paul, these men don’t pour out their lives. They are only supposed to preach well, teach good and come across as though they’re capable of making big decisions. Little in the way of showing you their life so you can see the Jesus in them in challenging situations.

As a result I’ve tended to admire those whose life I’ve been allowed to witness. These folks are examples to me by their transparency, vulnerability and humility. It’s unmistakeable as they’ve opened their doors and hearts to me. The community of grace that practices this way of living is more the type I find attractive and propels me and challenges me to live the life God wants me to live.

The situation at present, however, means I have no excuse to look at the failings of others. I am to be the example myself. I am to be transparent, vulnerable and humble before others and be ready for others to see the flaws in me and allow the beauty of Jesus to also been so that others will be challenged to follow Him.

It’s not just about looking to others to be the example. The Spirit of God propels me to be the example.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden