Why are good role models important?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible offers much wisdom on the company we keep and those we choose to allow in our lives in an influential role. Scripture gives vivid examples of the results of surrounding ourselves with righteous, godly people as well as examples of what can happen when we follow after those who do not point us toward Christ. The Bible tells us to choose role models who will encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, not pull us away from it. The New Testament includes instructions to early churches for older women and men to teach and guide younger women and men in the way of living faith-filled lives. This can be true for us today as some of our role models may be older Christians whose lives we can learn from.

While we are looking for role models for ourselves, we can also be a role model for others. The Bible reminds us that guiding and teaching another Christian, possibly someone physically and spiritually younger , is a serious responsibility . We can have great power over others’ lives when they view us as a role model, and we should do our utmost to ensure we are leading them wisely and faithfully toward Christ .

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7: Christian parents should take every opportunity to teach their children the ways of God, modeling a life of faith.
• Proverbs 22:6 points out the responsibility Christian parents have to train children in the way of God so that they are equipped for life as believing adults.
• When we surround ourselves with wise and faithful people, we will become that ourselves. On the other hand, if we surround ourselves with people who are not wise and do not follow Christ, we put ourselves in danger of letting our faith slip away under their influence (Proverbs 13:20)

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 remind us that being a role model to others, especially children, is a responsibility to be taken seriously.
• Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission to disciples reflects the importance of role models. It calls us to not only to share the Gospel with others, but to disciple them, or be role models, as they journey through their faith.
• As the apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1, we should be setting a Christ-like example for those who we are role models to and looking for our own role models that do the same.
• Galatians 5:22-23: The Fruit of the Spirit attributes should be apparent and evident in the lives of Christian role models.
• Ephesians 6:4: Some natural role models in life are parents to their children. As Christian parents, we should guide our children in the way of God.
• Our actions should not be a burden to others, but instead an example to be followed toward a life that more deeply emulates Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).
• 1 Timothy 4:12: No matter our age, we can be a good example of living a Christian life. Younger children and teenagers can be role models to their friends and younger family members, teaching them to follow Jesus.
• 2 Timothy 1:13: The teaching we share with those who we are models for should be biblically sound and Christ-centered. This is also important for our role models .
• Older Christians, perhaps in our families or churches, should be teaching younger Christians how to live a faith-filled life (Titus 2:2-7).
• Hebrews 10:23-25: Good role models encourage those who look up to them to continue doing good and showing love to those around them.
• Hebrews 13:7: Our leaders, especially church leaders, can be natural role models for our faith. If their faith is sound and biblically-centered, we should imitate their lives of faith.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Our role models, first and foremost, should be followers of Christ who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Beyond that, these believers should be constantly growing in their faith, and that faith should be evident in their words and actions , such as the attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit. They should be regular students of God’s Word and lead us to become the same. The role models we choose should lead us closer to Christ and His truth, not pull us away. Besides looking for good role models , believers also need to be strong role models for others, especially younger people in the faith. The same attributes we look for in our role models are the ones we should cultivate in our lives to best lead those who look up to us. Being a role model to another believer is a position of honor and responsibility that should not be taken lightly and should benefit those who hold us in that role.

UNDERSTAND

• Role models are an important part of the Christian life, both having them and being one for others.
• We should choose role models who are people of solid, biblical faith, evidenced by how they live.
• Being a role model is a position of responsibility as we have the chance to guide other believers deeper in their faith.

REFLECT

• Who has been a role model of faith in your life, and what qualities do they display that you admire?
• How might the influence of your closest friends or mentors be shaping your faith right now?
• How could you strengthen your walk with Christ to become a godlier role model for others?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage one another to identify role models that reflect a Christ-centered life?
• What are some practical steps we can take to hold each other accountable in becoming better role models within our church or family?
• How does the Bible’s guidance on role models challenge our culture’s standards of success ?