Paul wrote to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). It has been said that the single greatest tool of leadership is the power of an exemplary life. The example of how you live your life is the most powerful speech you will ever make. In life, we set an example whether we want to or not, it does not matter what you do or where you are at when you do it, you can be sure that someone is watching you! And with the cameras and listening devices that exist today, it is very possible that someone is recording your actions and your words. And you can bet that someone will make what you did or said public, and possibly at a very embarrassing moment!
The eyes, ears and brain that God has given us are extremely good recording devices. It is God’s way of allowing us to see, hear and remember the things that go on around us in this world we live in-the good and evil. And if we do not want the bad examples that we set to be recorded in someone’s brain then we should watch what we do and say.
I am amazed at the attitude of, “Don’t do what I do, do what I say!” That is a ridiculous statement, it doesn’t make any sense because what we do is what we are. It is how you live your life that really counts. If you are a parent or leader in any part of our society the example you set, be it good or evil, will have an effect on those around you. Everyone is a role model for someone; it is a fact of life we cannot escape. Your life is a portrait, a picture that has been painted by your own actions. A picture that will be used in the future by those who use the portrait that you have painted for them as an example.
Our lives are full of mistakes, but some of these mistakes can be avoided if we will consider the consequences of our actions before we act. The next time one of your buddies asks you to go out and party with him or her, consider what this is doing to your wife or husband and the example that it is setting for your children. The next time that you are driving over the speed limit with your sixteen-year old son or daughter in the car with you, just remember, that you are setting an example that might get one of your children injured or killed. The next time you get upset or angry and make a fool of yourself, remember, even if your child isn’t there, they will probably hear about it. Your children will see, remember and copy much of what you say and do.
We do not live in a vacuum, what we do and say will effect our lives and those around us. Those of us to whom God has given the skill and the opportunity to be pilots know how quickly our lives can change when we make a serious mistake while flying a plane or helicopter. I have personally felt the devastation and sense of loss when a loved one dies in a plane accident. The same goes with our reputation; it can be damaged or destroyed by an unthinking act or word. An unkind word or action can affect our relationship with our relatives, neighbors, employees, customers and our fellow pilots for many years into the future. If a person has the habit of being critical of competition it usually ends up causing someone else to copy that pattern and that starts a vicious cycle that ends up hurting the entire industry. Jesus said, “Let him that is without sin cast the first stone.” I think that should speak to all of us.
If an employer goes around with a sour look and a hateful attitude, then you can bet that the employees are going to pick up the habit. There are men and women who are habitually hateful and hard to get along with-there are no excuses for this type of behavior. This type of behavior sets an example-a bad example. Just because someone has left you with a sour taste in your mouth does not give you the right to treat others the same way.
Everyone deserves your respect until they prove otherwise. When you treat people with a lack of respect you are telling that person that they are not as important or as good as you are. I have made it a practice to avoid (as much as possible) having any business dealings with anyone who constantly has a critical attitude and a sour disposition. I have lost more than one customer or friend because I said or did something that was hurtful-some lessons are costly and painful.
James wrote, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). Setting an example of godly living that others can follow is one of the greatest things a person can do while they live on this earth. If we could look into the future and see all of the problems and dangers that we could avoid and help our children and others avoid. And all of the joy and peace we could gain and help our children and others to gain, I think that we would work harder at trying to set a good example by the way we live our life. A godly lifestyle will demonstrate to those that are around us, and those that follow us, that we take living for Jesus Christ seriously. Setting a good example or bad, it is your choice.