Role Models

Part 1: How to Choose Role Models
Written by Ginger

Have you ever looked at your life in light of who your role models are? As humans, our natural tendency is to follow other people in some way. Yes, some of us want to be independent and do our own thing, but we will be influenced by other people. Jim Rohn said, ” You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Who are you choosing to associate with and be like? How can we choose good role models?

1. Jesus is the Absolute Best Role Model
   1 Peter 2:21 “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps.”
   The life of Jesus is so entirely magnificent. Read the book of John in the Bible and see how He lived, and follow His example. Earthly role models will all mess up at some time, but Jesus is perfect, He will never lead you away from truth. Let Him be your Lord, and He will guide you like nobody else can.

2. Your Role Models Should Represent Jesus
There are so many people that can influence us; parents, teachers, movie stars, athletes, you name it. The number one quality in your role models should be their love and passion for Jesus. This will affect the rest of their life and therefore, your life as well. The people you spend time with will definitely influence you. If you hang out with people that don’t have good morals and values, they will affect the way you think and will not cultivate good traits in your life. Are the people you are with every day representing Jesus? Surround yourself with these people, and you will see that they affect you in a positive way.

3. Your Church Leaders Should be Your Role Models
Paul said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
The ministers in your church are an authority chosen by God. I’m not saying that they can’t make mistakes and turn away from the Lord, but they are ordained by God to guide the church and be and example to you. Pray for them; that they would have wisdom to fulfill their calling well. Look at their lives as an example for you.
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow.” Hebrews 13:7

4. Spend Time With Good Role Models/Mentors
Find someone that you respect and are comfortable with; maybe an older person, not a peer. Spend time with them and allow them to speak into your life. Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” More than once I have asked someone to meet with me and help me make decisions and find my way through hard things. These people have helped me so much because they have had experience with similar situations and have a lot more wisdom than I do.