So often, I forget I am setting an example for others. In Minnesota, state fair time is a huge deal. To manage the volume of people, there are a variety of park and ride locations across the metro area. One of those happens to be across the street from our office building. Our parking lot has signs in the middle of the entrances to the parking lot stating, “no state fair parking.”
I was looking out the office window waiting for a meeting to get started. I watched a family park in the office lot and walk across to the bus transporting fair goers. I started thinking about what it means to set an example even in the small things.
When my boys were young, we were checking out at a local big box store feeling very ready to get us home. We headed toward the door to leave when I noticed a mascara at the bottom of the cart that I hadn’t paid for. I considered my options and walked over to customer service and handed it to the representative behind the counter. She had a stunned look on her face as I handed her the item and confessed, “I found this on the bottom of the cart and forgot to pay for it. She responded, “I can’t believe you are doing this, most would just walk out of the store with the item.” I looked at my boys and quietly said, “It’s the right thing to do.”
11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use. 15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation. (1 Timothy 4:11-16 MSG).
I believe setting an example matters in the little things as much as the big things. That doesn’t mean I never break the rules. In fact this has been a good reminder to evaluate my choices. We are always being watched. Co-workers, family members, random people in a store all notice when the right thing is done and when the wrong thing is done. I want my example to be that of Christ.
Do you pay attention to how you are setting and example? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.