Godly Examples

When you hear the phrase “godly example,” someone’s name probably comes to mind. Maybe it’s a mentor, a pastor, a parent, or a faithful friend—someone who has walked in obedience and reflected Christ in a powerful way. Surely believers have someone in the past that they can identify as an example that changed their lives, but believers also need someone as a godly example in the present. Who is that person for you?  

Present-Day Imitation

Paul, writing to encourage the church in Philippi, pens these words:  

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”— Philippians 3:17

The encouragement is urgent and written for the present. Paul does not tell us to keep our eyes on people in the past, but on those that are currently walking in the faith. We have had many faithful examples to follow in the past, but we also need ones for the future. As you reflect on those that are in your life, how are you following their example of faith?  

Elders as Examples

Every believer needs a godly example to imitate. For many in the church, it should and could be the elders that lead the church. Paul would affirm that decision to follow their example in

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”— 1 Peter 5:2–3

Elders should be examples of faithfulness to the believers in the church. Examining how the elders obey the Lord, give Him praise, and restore others from sin, as an example to imitate.  In identifying “elders,” this exhortation would not be just for those on staff that are “paid” for their shepherding, but also for “lay” (unpaid) elders that have various vocations. Those lay elders provide visible expressions of faithful living to believers, just as well as those that are employed by the church.  

It’s Not Just the Elders

A filled with godly elders, lets every other believer off the hook, right? No. Approximately fifty times in the New Testament, God tells us about the “one anothers” in faith, which means to feel, think, or care for another in the faith. By doing the “one anothers” of Scripture, living illustrations that walk among us.  

So, Who Are You an Example To?

Each of us is an example as we live faithfully to the Lord. You may very well be an example of faithfulness to another believer. We need to not only see Paul or Timothy or Jim or Salley as godly examples because they are spiritual giants. Each of us doing the “one anothers” of Scripture becomes an example to others. Therefore, we arrive at the final question: Who are you a godly example to? If no one comes to mind, it may be time to follow the Lord more closely.  

-Pastor John Richardson