The Power of Example
(Reflection - February 2000)
One of our grandchildren was caught by her mother running around the backyard with her shoelaces untied. Her mother asked why she was doing this, didn’t she know she could trip and hurt herself?
The child’s reply was, "It’s all right because Poppa does it."
How powerful is the lesson that, often unbeknownst to us, we are influencing others by our example.
Influence
The dictionary defines influence as, "the act or power of producing an effect
without apparent force of authority." Undetected at the time, our actions can
become a power to govern the lives of others.
We will readily admit our own characters have been shaped by others in ways small and large and for better or worse. Some of us spend too much time watching television or the movies, or drink too much alcohol, or smoke cigarettes or are obsessed with work because someone else set a bad example -- they never "tied up their shoelaces." Our use of language and our choice of music and books is often the result of someone’s influence.
Paul’s influence
The apostle Paul said in humbleness of mind, "be ye followers of me, even as
I am of Christ." We can hardly overestimate the influence he had on people
during his lifetime. A classic example is recorded in Philippians 1:12-19.
As a notable prisoner, his forthright manner and preaching was known to the whole of Caesar’s court. Among that company were some new converts to the faith, who may well have been fearful to make known that they had been redeemed by one greater than Caesar. Because of Paul’s influence, however, "many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Phil. 1:12-14).
The exhortation of example
For many of us to see an invalid brother or sister (be it emotional or physical) attempt
the uncertainties of life and attend the meetings is a powerful exhortation.
A blind man finding directions along a busy street by the tap of his white cane or a person confined to a wheelchair refusing to make it his prison, give me a stern rebuke. We must not hide our talents so they cannot be seen, but rather use them to influence others. And our influence must always be for the salvation of others. To this end we must strain ourselves and see if our shoelaces are untied. Wasn’t this one of Paul’s exhortations: "...but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way" (Rom. 14:13).
Attendance at meetings can be a notable case of influence by example. Some wish they could attend much more than their limiting circumstances permit. But what about those of infrequent attendance who are not handicapped in such ways? Are we not willing to support others in their worship? Are we giving others a reason to downplay meetings of worship?
Let us then take care in all our ways whether at worship, work or play -- Are our shoelaces tied?
Mack Macpherson