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Set an example
When Jesus was washing the disciples’ feet, He was doing more than just a nice, caring act. He was setting them an example to follow. Jesus said: ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you’ (John 13:14-15 NIV). In fact, Jesus’ whole life was an example to the disciples, and to us. He showed us how to act in different situations and with different people. He taught us how to have a relationship with God. And He showed us how to cope with the emotions we feel and the challenges we face. We need to be setting good examples to those around us, and encouraging them to live a Christ-filled life. Paul told Timothy, ‘Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.’ Basically, we should be setting an example for others in all areas of our lives. We also need to be setting an example to those who don’t yet believe in Jesus. If we’re living however we want and claiming that we’re Christians, we’re not glorifying God or representing Him well. The Bible says: ‘In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us’ (Titus 2:7-8 NIV). This isn’t said to put a huge amount of pressure on us; we’re human, so we’ll all make mistakes at some point. But let’s try to be the best example to others that we can be.
What Now?
Make a diary of your day today. Write down everything you do. Then before you go to bed, reflect on all the things you’ve done and ask yourself whether you set a good example to others today.
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