Among the gifts that I am blessed with are having a younger brother and sister. What’s unique about my sister and me, in particular, is that we are ten years apart from one another. Therefore, sharing clothes, getting into trouble, or going to college together was not a part of our experience growing up. Even having children has been unique as my oldest is a college freshman and her firstborn is four years old.
There are many qualities that have made our relationship special, but it has been particularly heartwarming to watch my niece look up to my daughter with admiration. Just the other day, my niece made an announcement to my sister and brother-in-law that she was packing to go to college. She had stacked a pile of personal items similar to what she had seen my daughter do before leaving.
We all found it funny how my niece needs some convincing that she still has a few more years at home before leaving for college ;) But it’s also a sweet sentiment.
Life has great meaning when we have a role model and the best example of all for each of us is Jesus. The Gospels reveal that when He lived on earth, He showed us how to speak and act in our relationship with the Father and with others. Jesus modeled how to love others, to forgive others, how to serve others, how to resist temptation, how to walk in the fruit of the Spirit … to name a few.
In the midst of the many people we are surrounded by who influence the way we think, act, dress, and speak, first, let’s be sure to always turn our eyes to Jesus. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) reminds us, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Then, we must be certain to surround ourselves with people who are positive influences: “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)
Finally, as we walk out this life, we must be mindful that our lives, as imperfect as they are, are an example to others, so “Above all, set yourself apart as a model of a life nobly lived. With dignity, demonstrate integrity in all that you teach.” (Titus 2:7 TPT)
The prayer of my heart is that the Lord would be seen in and through each of us and that He would be glorified.
~Joyce
