Are you an example to follow?

As parents, business owners, friends, community members, and humans we are called to be an example of Christ.

Are you an example to follow? It’s so hard to follow Jesus’ example, but that’s what we are called to do. Scripture provides the guidance and inspiration we need. When we live by the fruits of the Spirit we are an example of Jesus and we bring Glory to God.

What Scripture says about being an example to follow

In John 14:12, Jesus tells us: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” When Jesus said this, he was commanding the disciples to go out and spread the gospel. We are called to do the same thing today, in all we do.

God doesn’t expect us to do this on our own. In reality, we aren’t capable of doing it on our own. That is why He gave us the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sharing the gospel doesn’t mean that we have to go out and preach it. We can be an example to follow, an example of Jesus, by how we behave, what we say, and the choices we make. For example, to do the next right thing instead of letting temptation overcome us.

For instance, the grocery store clerk drops the grapes you very carefully selected. You have a choice. You can get angry and scold the weary soul that she is, or you can choose to graciously accept her apology, smile, and say no problem, I’ll go grab more. This may be a pain. It may cause you to run late for your next appointment, but you will have been an example of Jesus. And next time she’s in the same situation or the other people in line are, they’ll follow your example.

Not sure how you can be an example of Jesus?

In Galatians 5:22-23 Paul teaches us about the fruit of The Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He goes on to say, “Against such things, there is no law.” In the example of the grocery store clerk, if you chose the next right thing you displayed each fruit of the Spirit. See how easy it can be to be an example to follow, to be an example of Jesus?

The Holy Spirit is on duty 24/7 to guide you and fill you with His gifts. That feeling in your gut that guides you on the next best step to take, is your intuition, the Holy Spirit.

Be an example to follow and don’t take the job lightly

In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul writes, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God. An ambassador is an official representative on behalf of a country, organization, company, product, or person. But as an ambassador for Christ, we are called to share His word, to live out the example of Jesus. To literally be an example to follow, This is not a job to be taken lightly, but to cherish as a responsibility.

How does this apply to life and business?

Being an example to follow, an example of Jesus applies to our lives and businesses. It doesn’t mean our faith has to be forward-facing in our businesses unless, of course, that is what God is calling us to do. But it does mean that we are called to serve and serve using the fruits of the Spirit.

When we sell, we sell from a place of kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness. Not force, or manipulation, but from a place of service. If we aren’t selling our offer, the solution that someone needs to enhance their life or business, we are doing a disservice to those who need us.

Likewise, if we are impatient with our children, family members, or clients, we aren’t a good example and we aren’t helping them, but could potentially hurt them.

In addition, practicing and exhibiting self-control will help you demonstrate love, joy, peace, kindness, and goodness. Self-control comes in all shapes and sizes. This could be related to how we treat our bodies and minds, how we treat others, and the behaviors we choose, especially if prone to addiction. Self-control does not mean being a control freak. Quite the contrary. It means making decisions and exhibiting behaviors from a place of discipline so that we care for ourselves and others and allow the other fruits of the Spirit to shine through us.

Being faithful is also key. God calls us to trust Him. Be faithful in your trust because He will guide you. Faithfulness will help you discern from what secular, new-age, non-Biblical-based coaches tell you that you should do. Dedicate time to read Scripture and watch how God speaks to you and guides you through His word.

One of the most important jobs as a parent

Being an example to follow is hands down the biggest and hardest job we have as parents. We truly need the fruits of the Spirit every single second of every single day. A key is to not affirm non-Biblical behaviors and lifestyles while still showing love, kindness, gentleness, and patience while praying and putting our children in God’s hands. It’s so hard to trust and be patient. Just like us, our children are masterpieces created by God and He has a great plan for them. Remember, His plan is greater than our plan and the path they are on is not our path. However, we are called to be an example for them to follow and raise them in a way that brings Glory to God. There are so many days as parents that we can only say, Holy Spirit activate!

The key to successfully being an example to follow is prayer

The way to consistently be an example to follow, an example of Jesus, is to make your decisions prayerfully. Pause when needed. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to bless you with His fruits and guide you to make the next best decision. The pause is critical so as not to jump into a negative reaction.

As with creating success in anything, this takes practice. give yourself the grace to work on this one day at a time. I’m a work in progress and probably always will be. Doing mindset modeling and actively catching negative thoughts and pausing has helped me tremendously.

You can also reflect on the Proverbs 31 Woman, as a mentor and guide. She achieved success but always gave glory to God, and always served others. The fruits of The Spirit were her strength and guide.

You’ve got this because the Holy Spirit has you.

Being self-disciplined also helps you live as an example to follow.

An example of listening in when God is speaking to you. Doing so is being an example to follow.

A Biblical-Based Coach

If you are looking for a Biblical-based Christian business coach, let’s chat. My Purpose to Results™ Success without Social Coaching program incorporates Scripture and prayers to ensure you stay aligned with your core values as you grow your business and work to attract soulmate clients. I offer a free consultation, a win-win. We get to know each other and you get the next best steps for creating a business growth strategy that feels good and will help you have a positive impact.