Role Models

From "Our Daily Bread" July, 2009

During a summer of international sports scandals involving gambling and substance abuse, two athletes were applauded for their character as much as their professional accomplishments. A record crowd of 75,000 cheered Cal Ripkin Jr. and Tony Gwynn during their 2007 induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. "Whether we like it or not," Ripkin said, "as big leaguers, we are role models. The only questions is, will it be positive or will it be negative?" Gwynn echoed the sentiment: "There's more than just playing the game of baseball ... You're responsible, you've got to make good decisions and show others how things are supposed to be done"

Every day people are watching us. As followers of Christ, we are guided by Paul's challenge to "become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15) Compromise causes others to become disillusioned, while character fosters hope. As the life of our Savior flows out from us, we can encourage others and point them to Him.

What kind of role model will we be for someone watching today? "TalkerCat"