ROLE MODEL

An old proverb says, “Actions speak louder than words.” Inspired by this proverb, when I first became a father over forty years ago, I tried my best to behave more decently because I wanted to be a positive role model to my daughter. I knew that children were good observers as well as great imitators. They learn more through actions than through words. So, I was aware that my daughter would see me doing something rather than listen to what I taught her to do. She watched how I hugged and kissed her mother, and lo and behold, she did the same thing - kissing and hugging my wife.

At home, the father or the mother is expected to be a good role model to their children. Meanwhile at school, the teacher is a role model to his or her students. At church, the pastor is a role model to his flocks. At work, the supervisor or the manager is a role model to his or her subordinates. In the community, each Christian should be a role model to their society. The dictionary defines a role model as a person who serves as an example of the values, attitudes, and behaviors associated with a role he or she plays. Our actions prove who we really are, while our words only show what we want to be.

Who is the ultimate role model for us to imitate? It is none other than Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:1 says, “So be imitators of God, as His dearly children.” (International Standard Version). The Apostle Paul encouraged us to imitate everything about His life, imitate His loving heart, His caring hands, His compassion eyes, His humble spirit so that we could become a ‘True Role Model,’ doing what He did and being all that Jesus was.

The Church is comprised of families, and families comprise of church members in the home. Writing about role models in the home, Ellen White says, “. . . If religion reigns in the home, it will be brought into the church. The parents who do their work for God are a power for good. As they restrain and encourage their children, bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, they bless the neighborhood in which they live. And the church is strengthened by their faithful work. -- Child Guidance, p. 550

Whoever we are, let’s be a good ROLE MODEL.

Hiskia Missah
Editor

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