Role Models

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a professional athlete when I grew up. Gail Devers caught my attention, not only with her outrageous nails, but also as she flew out of the blocks past her competitors. Posters lined my ceiling of Jackie Joyner-Kersee who was the best in the heptathlon, Stacy Dragila who flew over the pole in the vault, and Lisa Leslie as she was the first woman to dunk in the WNBA. I looked up to these women and wanted to be just like them. They were my role models.

This past weekend we had a shower for my sister-in-law and soon-to-come niece. To be funny, I bought a onesie that said “my aunt rocks.” As I was wrapping the present many thoughts came to mind. What will my little niece think about me? Will I be a good role model? Thoughts of my own aunts then flooded my mind. They all are special and unique in their own way as they accomplish much with the lives God has given them. What stand out far more to me than all they can achieve, is their bold faith and love for the Lord.

When we look at the Bible we can also find many individuals who stand out and can serve as a model for us to emulate. Whatever we are facing in life, we can find great encouragement in looking at the lives of faith, patience, perseverance, and courage that others before us have exampled. A good place to start looking is Hebrews 11, “the hall of faith” where many Christ followers are listed for the way they lived their lives with admirable faith. It takes great courage to live a life of faith; Moses as he lead the people through the Red Sea, Esther approached the King without being called, David fought Goliath with a sling and a stone, Daniel prayed in public and was thrown in the lion’s den, Noah built an ark when he had never seen rain, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fire when they would not bow down, Mary as she gave birth to her son as a virgin, and the list goes on. Not only did some face great trails, but some such as Stephen, Peter, and Paul gave it all as they became martyrs living the life God called them to.

Jesus Christ is the only one worthy of striving to be like, the perfect role model. In John 13 as Jesus was washing His disciples feet, He instructed them to follow His example. Philippians chapter 2 directs us to be imitators of Christ’s humility. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Paul goes on to says in 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1, “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they might be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Take some time to think about the topic of role models:

Who are your role models?

Is Jesus your role model?

Are you a role model to others?

Do you live a life that causes others to know or grow closer to God?

What things can you work on to be more like Jesus?

Pre-Game Pep Talk

The warm air turns into slightly cooler temperatures, perfect for wearing your worn-in, cozy sweatshirt/sweater and jeans. Instead of getting your coffee iced, its now time to settle down with a hot apple cider chai or pumpkin spiced latte. The pumpkin patches are ready for you to come get your pumpkin to carve and the apple orchards are ready for you to pick some juicy ones for a homemade pie. The leaves are changing into what is soon to be a magnificent display of fiery colors. It’s fall in Northern Michigan, my favorite time of year! If the things I listed above weren’t splendid enough, the best part I have to say is...IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON!

 

 

If you’ve ever played football, or any sport for that matter, you know that the pre-game pep talk is vitally important to getting the game started right. When you step onto the field you must be in the right frame of mind; confident, focused, and at the same time “pumped up” to play. Your coach gives you some words that are instructive and encouraging before he/she sends you off to play. As I was reading the Bible the other day, I was reminded of this when I came upon God’s talk with Joshua before he was going to lead the people. Lets take a look at the text…

Joshua 1:1-9,

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

-vs. 6, 7, 9, and even the final words of the chapter repeat this command. God knows that the battles of life will be hard and that the opposition will be fierce, but He commands Joshua to go into this battle with strength and courage…

GODS GOT YOUR BACK

-vs. 5, “…I will never leave you or forsake you.” vs. 9, “...For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We can be strong and courageous because we know God is right there with us. He’s on your team!

LEAD THE PEOPLE

-vs. 6, “...you will lead the people to inherit the land…”. God was talking to Joshua about leading the people into the land promised to them. It is our duty as Christians to lead others to Christ and the land (Heaven) He has promised to those who believe and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. What kind of a team mate are we if we don’t share this with our family, friends, co-workers, and those we come in contact with?

THE PLAY BOOK

-vs. 7 and 8 talk about the “Book of the Law” and how we are to learn it and follow it which leads to success. Just like the playbook is foundational to how you run your game in football, the Bible should also be foundational to how we live as Christ-followers. Study it so you know how to play, huddle together with other believers, and look to the ultimate coach, God, to call the plays.