"WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE DO I SET?"

“Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (I Timothy 4:12).
“I’m reminded of the words of the 19th-century Scottish preacher, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, commenting on the importance of his example as a minister. He wrote: “The greatest need of my people is my personal holiness.”
“Two hundred years later, the force of those words still rings true. Our people need us to be godly. They need us not only to preach the truth but also to practice it day in and day out.
“The New Testament standard for a minister’s character and conduct is very clear. We are to be pure in doctrine, pure in action, pure in mind, and pure in speech. To live otherwise is to undermine the very message we proclaim.
“That’s why the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “In speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example to those who believe.” He gave similar instruction to Titus. “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, and sound in speech which is beyond reproach.”
Sadly, some ministers today are more concerned with being cool than with being holy. The trend in some circles is to push the line of propriety as far as possible, even in the pulpit. Such antics may get cheap laughs, but they do not honor the Lord. Nor do they set an appropriate example for those in the congregation to follow.
“Faithful preachers, by contrast, conduct themselves in a way that is honorable and above reproach. They watch their life and doctrine closely. As a result, they bring glory to God by modeling godliness for those under their care.
“May the Lord make us all holy instruments in His service!”
(John MacArthur – Adapted)

The above words of advice, written by a preacher to preachers, is good for all of us, since we are all priests and ministers to God (I Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6). We as Christians are all charged with living in such a godly and holy way as to give legitimacy to the Gospel we profess, setting before other believers, our children, and the world about us a good example! When we live like the heathen, dress in the immoral fashion of the world, act the fool in dignified places, and speak the nonsense of the gutter, are we truly honoring the Lord and building up His people?
A word fitly spoken will profit those who heed it!

Larry Atkin, Preacher