Have you been an example?

by Rapha Abreu·October 17, 2024·3 min read

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God uses people, places, and situations to teach each of us. And often, we are also the ones He uses to teach others.

Honorable children

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you…”
John 15:1-4

God uses you as an example in one way or another, either as a model of what to do or as a model of what not to follow. You were created and are being directed by God to produce for Him, honoring and bringing glory to His name.

He will use you as an example. If you work for the Kingdom, you will be a child that God is proud of, like a father who speaks proudly of what his child has done and how honored he feels to have him.

But if you work only to benefit yourself, you will be like someone we should not use as a basis or inspiration.

Get up!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ²Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2

When we produce only for ourselves, leaving the Kingdom aside, we merely entertain the enemy. Your vices, loves, and idolatries entertain the enemy, distancing us from God and His purposes, and this becomes a model that should not be followed.

Your life needs to be about bringing glory to the Father. You were made to reflect Jesus, to be a channel of God in the lives of others. God wants to raise you up as a leader and servant that He is proud of.

Delivered to the Father

“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2:3-5

We will never be worthy of carrying the word of God, but we can work to be closer to that.

Even if we cannot reach that worthiness, we should strive to reach the feet of Jesus, reflecting His love and His deeds. Don’t become complacent; don’t be an example for evil, a model of error and destruction.

Seek every day to be more like Jesus, find a way in Him each day, and follow without fear. Understand what the Father wants from you and wait on the Lord for what He desires for you.

Surrender your life to Him!