Are You an Example to Anyone?

For you to be an example, people must look, watch, observe and think. They must regard you as an example worth observation. In reality, and reality is a cruel thing, most people are not watching, not because you are not a good example; they are simply not watching you. So, in this regard, you cannot control whether you are an example. You might be; you might not be.

Even though most people are not watching you, that does not mean that no one is watching. It is not uncommon for people to notice another person without acknowledging it. So, you never know when your speech or behavior or attitude is an example. Unless you live in a thick fog that continually shrouds you from everyone and everywhere, people can hear what you say and how you say it, see what you do and how you do it, observe your body language and hear your tone of voice and interpret your attitude. So, you are always a potential example to others.

Indeed, you are most certainly an example to some, perhaps only a few, perhaps many. That said, you are generally unable to control how people interpret your example…unless you are able to say something that provides context.

To be an effective example to others there are two critical ingredients:

• First, you must be intentional in being an example. That means that you are constantly aware that you live as God’s child in a ‘watching world.’ It is God’s intention for the world to see His people and for the world to see Him through His people.
• Second, the most effective example is the one that people observe. For that reason, it is relevant to verbally call attention to your example when appropriate.

Parents should model good attitudes, speech and behavior. However, to be most effective, they must verbally draw their children’s attention to the model they are presenting. Church elders are to model the life of Christ. It would be of great benefit, for example, for an elder to express the need for good attitudes in the wake of calamity or distress. He would go on to explain the kind of attitude that he will model and then encourage others to follow his example. The verbal instruction is meant to draw attention to the example that might otherwise be overlooked. In this way, the effectiveness of the example is increased. The same applies to all who are in positions of leadership, training, and instruction.

These observations are rooted in biblical principles.

On several occasions Jesus said, “Follow me.” He was presenting his life as an example to follow. The result of following His example would be a life of godliness, that is, a life having the same character as God. For that reason, the Apostle Paul and the writer of Hebrews could instructed their readers…

“Walk in love, just as Christ also love you….” (Ephesians 5:2)

“Accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us….” (Romans 15:7)

“Be imitators of God.” (Ephesians 5:1)

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Regarding self-discipline, “you ought to follow our example.” (2 Thessalonians 3:7)

Be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)

Regarding those who speak God’s word, “Imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

To be a good example, you must first align your life with Christ. It is not about acting like Christ but being like Christ. Then, “let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” And don’t forget that from time to time you might need to use words to remind those you lead, “Follow me!” Then, when they follow you, they will ideally be following Christ. And in that, God is glorified.


Mark Stinnett

October 11, 2026