My daughter JFW has this habit of putting on my big boots. She looks ridiculous in them but hey, she doesn’t care. In fact, it gives her a kick just to do that.
Once she puts on my big shoes, she comes to me laughing her head off shouting, “Daddy, look! Daddy, Look!” She then poses before me like a superstar!
How or where did she learn that? Why does she do this all the time yet I have never told her to put on my shoes?
Well, I thought about this and realized that she was only doing what she sees me doing every day. She did not need to be told. She only needed to observe and see what daddy does.
In life, people learn in one of three ways: by explanation, by experience or by example. In my daughter’s case, she has learned by example.
To learn by explanation, we listen to what someone says and then follow their instructions. People also learn through experience. You can learn through your own experience or through other people’s experiences. To learn by example, we see or hear about what someone has done and we follow their example.
The Bible has many characters and examples from which we can learn. Some of the characters used well the opportunities God gave them while others squandered their opportunities.
Remember, you are on this earth for a mission. While trying to accomplish the mission that God has given you, you will either be a good example or a bad example.
One of the characters in the Bible whose example we should not follow is the prophet Jonah. Jonah was commanded by God to go to Nineveh and warn them about their sins but he refused to go. He took a different direction from that which God had asked him.
For his disobedience, he found himself in the belly of a great fish. But even in that situation, when he cried out to God, God had mercy on him. He commanded the fish to vomit him where God wanted him to be. For his disobedience, his mission was delayed.
If God has given you an assignment, learn from Jonah. Obey so you may not suffer pain and delay to fulfill your mission.
At this point, it would be good to ask yourself the question, what kind of an example are you to the young generation? Even with a godly mission, you may not achieve all that God wants you to achieve in your life time. But your influence can stay on for generations after you.
Think about Jesus; he was active in his earthly mission for only three years of his adult life, yet the impact of his mission is felt to this day. He left a positive impact on society.
Choose to make Jesus the example you follow. Jesus is a good example because he was perfect. By following his example, all areas of your life – family, career, goals – will find balance and you will have a positive influence in society.
As you go about your daily activities, remember that someone is watching what you are doing.
Comments