A Year 4 Transformation: Day 102-Setting a Good Example

Passage of the Day:

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. ¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity, 1 Timothy 4:8-12.

Reflection:

Becoming a teenager in high school and becoming a Christian are polar opposites. Perhaps, this might explain my struggles to set a good biblical example for others to follow. Since I wanted to be accepted by my peers, I often blended in like a chameleon. This trend continued until my senior year when I was asked to become the program director for my school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible Study. I came up with monthly situations and topics which helped me fulfill the words of 1 Timothy 4:12.

Prayerful Action:

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses, 1 Timothy 6:11-12.

Retracing Your Steps:

Despite how disciplined I became as an athlete and Christian, I continued to struggle with consistency, falling short of my mark, Romans 3:9-12. My faith was more like a feeling, shining bright when I was in a good mood and crashing and burning when I wasn’t. During a retreat at the beginning of my second semester of college, I was introduced to the Lordship of Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Surrendering your life to Jesus is scary and doesn’t guarantee immediate success. However, over the past three decades, I’ve made progress in setting a good example for my wife, children and neighbors.

Song of the Day:

One of the Christian artists that has helped me to set a good example as a Christian is Bruce Carroll. Carroll is one of the most creative song writers, covering topics that have challenged my faith over the years. May the lyrics of Average Joe inspire you to set a good example of the Christian life.

by Jay Mankus