The Power Of Example

by J. Renfrew, Paisley, Scotland | Category: General | Dec 1986

The poet Longfellow once wrote:

Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us

Footprints on the sands of time.

The example of godly men and women has been a powerful influence for good on the lives of others, and we can all recall some brother or sister who, at one time or another, has in this way been an encouragement to us.

In my little study at home, I have a framed photograph of brethren taken at a Conference of Elders of the Churches of God, and as I look on their faces I thank God for their influence on my life. Many of them have now departed to be with the Lord whom they loved and served.

It is particularly important for leaders to set a high standard of conduct for others to follow. When Gideon was leading his three hundred men against the hordes of the Midianites he said to them, "Look on me, and do likewise" (Judges 7:17). They did this, and the Lord gave them a great victory. David also was a great leader who inspired his followers by his example. His slaying of Goliath was a feat that had a tremendous impact on the people of Israel, and his zeal for the house of the Lord was blessed to many.

We can think of the example of the Lord Jesus to His disciples. What a privilege they had to be with Him during His short ministry on earth. In recent articles in Needed Truth we have been considering the time spent in the Upper Room when He girded Himself with the towel and washed the feet of the disciples. He taught them, "If I then, the Lord and Master have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should also do as I have done unto you" (John 13:14,15).

The apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesian elders to follow his example (Acts 20:25). He spoke of "serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind" and of tears and trials; of labouring to help the weak and exhorting them "to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, It is

more blessed to give than to receive". Paul spoke of his willingness, if need be, to lay down his life at Jerusalem in order that he might accomplish his course.

The influence exerted by Christians in the world should not be under. estimated. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples:

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden underfoot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Even so let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Mat. 5:13-16).

Disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26). What was it about those disciples that had such an impact upon their fellow citizens. Was it not the transforming power of Christ in their lives?

The influence of Christian men and women today should not be underrated. Peter says, "If a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name" (1 Pet. 4:16). As the darkness of unbelief increases in the world, may the Lord grant that the witness of His people will shine the more brightly until the Lord returns from heaven.

J. Renfrew, Paisley, Scotland | Dec 1986
General