Example is a powerful witness. It is something we deeply admire when the example is a good one.

In each of our lives, we have all noted a specially loved individual who has helped to shape who we are. For instance, those examples may be a favorite teacher, a family member with whom we felt a close bond or someone in the greater society whom we never personally knew, but we were motivated by their accomplishments or some other aspect of the way in which they lived their lives.

That being said, we have also known a greater number of people with whom we were acquainted, but these individuals are the ones who turned out to be, as the saying goes, “ships passing in the night.” Their influence was not counted as lasting or productive.

It is an interesting exercise to think about the most influential people in our lives.

Now, let’s consider the reverse–what has our example been like to others? How have we influenced others?

It is certainly an area in which Christians are accountable–in fact, it has very much to do with the second of the great commandments upon which “‘…hang all the Law and Prophets'” (Matthew 22:40). In verse 39, Jesus stated: “‘…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

Certainly, setting a right example in how we live as Christians in this world is one way in which we can fulfill what Jesus taught. Jesus also identified a proclivity of human nature in this regard. He spoke of the scribes and Pharisees in this way: “‘…for they SAY and do not DO'” (Matthew 23:3).

Jesus said of His followers: “‘You are the light of the world'” (Matthew 5:14). He also instructed those who would be His disciples to “bear much fruit” (Compare John 15:8). Paul spoke of the fruit of the Spirit and identified those qualities which are an outgrowth of godly character: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23).

While it is very easy to want to tell others how to do it better or to somehow fix their problems, perhaps we should consider the fact that our primary role is to first be examples of what is right and true. Note how Peter explains the correct approach: “…and always be ready to give a defense [or, “answer”] to everyone who ASKS you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The thought here is that others are drawn to ask because of what they first see in our lives–NOT what they first hear!

In this same chapter, Peter addresses the issue of husbands who are not Christians: “Wives, likewise be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, WITHOUT A WORD, may be won BY THE CONDUCT of their wives, when they OBSERVE YOUR CHASTE CONDUCT accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Example is indeed a powerful tool for all Christians! More than all that we might say, how we live–the example we set–will show whether we truly honor and serve God and whether or not we really do love our neighbor!

“I wish I had said that,” might be our reaction, or it might be our thinking that we’re glad we said nothing at all! The words we use–even in private thoughts–can be our undoing, or they can bring both others and ourselves great joy.

James teaches us about our choice of words: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:8-10).

The words we choose to speak are just that–our choice. In Proverbs 12:18, we find this comment: “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Proverbs elaborates on the first part of verse 18 with this statement: “An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:27-28). Then, complementing the last part of verse 18, Proverbs 15:23 states: “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”

Consider, also, these two quotes from the Book of Proverbs: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11); and, “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

King David came to deeply understand that God knew everything about him. He makes this profound acknowledgement before God: “For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, you know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4). That is true for all of us, but it is especially important for those of us who now live our lives as Christians!

James leaves us this further caution–a question we should always have in mind before we speak: “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening” (James 3:11)?

Words and how we use them hold great importance. Words matter to God and they matter to our families, friends and even strangers, and they certainly better matter to each one of us–words are, after all, our choice!

Do you ever get the sense that something is wrong?

Many parents have that peculiar talent to know when their kids are up to something. When we were very young, we often did things that we should not have done. Inevitably, Mom and Dad seemed to find out, and we got caught. As we grew, we became a little more adroit at doing things our way, but even then our parents, friends, teachers and others could generally read us. If we were willing to listen, we often found the help we needed to solve our problems.

Many husbands and wives become so attuned to one another that they seem to spontaneously recognize when one or the other is even a little bit preoccupied with stressful problems. The conversation usually goes, “what’s wrong?”–the answer too often is, “nothing!” However, in good marriages, that thin, self-isolating veneer often vanishes when one mate sincerely engages the other in loving concern.

It is comforting to have people in our lives who care deeply about us and who can tell when we are troubled–when something IS wrong. In fact these relationships in both early and adult life teach us to rely on the wisdom and counsel of others. That is what Christians must do as well! When things go wrong or when we face overwhelming circumstances, we can turn to God for His mercy and His guidance.

Christians are called upon to live their lives as shining examples in a world in which so much is wrong. We are called upon to be peacemakers in a world that is at war with itself. Vile, unspeakable acts of violence have filled the world in this generation. Even among those nations which enjoy some modicum of stability, it seems that morality is now being overrun with cancerous depravity from within.

Long ago, God caused to be recorded this evaluation of His people, Israel: “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). God has also spoken of our time, today: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)!

All along, God has told mankind what’s wrong! He has gone a step further by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how we should live. Added to that, God has given–to those who repent of their sins and are baptized–His Holy Spirit. If we who are Christians avail ourselves of God’s great love, we can overcome the wrong, and we can live, more and more, in a way that is right–that is, righteously!

God is very interested in each one of us. So closely and intimately does He watch over us that He knows our needs even before we do (Compare Matthew 6:25-32). He knows when something is wrong with us.

Peter understood that Christians in this age of Satan’s reign would suffer: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you” (1 Peter 4:12). He continues with this most important reminder for when we find ourselves in this kind of tough situation: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (5:6-7).

Paul adds this perspective for us: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)?

Sometimes, things do go wrong, and all of us must deal with these personal tests. If we have been building our spiritual house well, then we not only will have friends and family, but we also will have loving brethren in the Church of God to help in times of need. Most importantly, we do have our Father and our elder Brother, Jesus, to help us.

Let’s all make sure that we allow others to help us when they can, and, especially, we must seek the sure help that is always available to those called according to God’s will: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).