This morning God was pressing on my heart the word "example". I think partly it was because of some kids we came in contact with yesterday while doing some urban mountain bike riding around our city. We found some spots to ride that we hadn't been before, and one of those happened to be a very low income apartment complex. As we rode, small kids started to gather around and a handful went and got their own bikes. And when I say small kids, I mean probably between the ages of 5 and 9. No parents around at all, just these little kids all running around on their own. They seemed very intrigued by the things we were doing on our bikes and at first it just seemed like just fun. But then after just a few minutes I began to hear the language these kids were using. And I must say it was quite shocking to hear kids so young cussing so bad. It was clear that this was a learned way of life for them and they were simply mimicking the words (and actions) they had heard all of their lives so far. One little guy really talking to us a lot about our bikes and was asking questions, so I had the chance to say to him, "you know, we don't cuss". The look on his face was like he had never heard someone say this in his life, and that made sense, because he probably hadn't. And the only thing he could think to say back to me was, "really, cause I do". That boy was no older than 6 years old...
The reason I felt like God is pressing the word example on my heart so much is because whether we realize it or not, we are an example to someone in our life. Someone is always looking up to you, or at you, to see how you respond to situations, act in certain situations, the things you like or dislike, the things you hold value to....and most importantly, how genuine are you? In 1 Timothy 4:12 Timothy says these words, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity". It's a teaching that goes out to us all. If you're young then it let's you know you CAN still make a difference, but I think it really goes out to us all. "Set an example" it says..."in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity". As I read that verse again and again I couldn't think of any areas of life it didn't hit on with just those few words. Do I hope we left an impact on those kids yesterday, absolutely. I hope they remember some guys came in and did some neat stuff on bikes, but most of all I hope they remember that we didn't act or talk like the people I see on a daily basis, that we were different.
I plan on going back to that place again, and this time I plan on telling them why we don't cuss. I want them to know that Jesus was different than the rest of the world too, and they don't have to be like everyone else they hear and see. I want them to know how much he loves them and me...and that's why I live differently, and they can too. That living in a way that pleases God is just one way of showing Him love back. It doesn't hurt to explain to people why you make the choices you do, but most of all....be an example that reflects Christ!
God, thank You for the opportunities You give us to be an example for You. Please help us remember that the lives we live reflect You....or they should. Help us to always be pointing people to You, not away from You. We should do this in our speech, our conduct, our love, our faith and our purity. Help those who have not seen the importance in this realize it today. And help them to be an example to a world who needs what we have....You! In Jesus name, Amen
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