Be A Worthy Example

“Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.” II Thess. 3:8-9

One very important task every Christian is responsible for is to be a good, Christian example (“ensample”) to others. Many do not read the Word of God for themselves, have not learned what God has for them to do, and are more reliant on a godly example than they should be. It is dangerous to their spirituality to totally follow someone else, but it is common.

For this reason, Paul the Apostle, was very aware of eyes attuned to his behavior and actions and wrote some important points to be “… an ensample unto you to follow …”. In II Thessalonians 3, he pointed some of them out:

1. That obedience and understanding of God’s Word would be seen in his life, and that God would get the glory. If we are a godly example for someone, it should always be God and His work that gets the glory, not us!
   “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:” II Thes. 3:1
2. Keep your distance from others that are not doing right (“disorderly”), even if they are Christians (“brethren”). He defines “disorderly” in verse 11 as those that are lazy and not working, and those that are meddling in other people business (“busybodies”).  Association with those type of people may give others the impression that you are also like the crowd you are with.
   “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.” II Thes. 3:6
3. Do not stop living and doing right. Others around you, even Christians, may be acting worldly, not obeying God, or not involved in reaching others for Christ, but that is no reason for you to abandon your post!  Keep on keepin’ on, no matter what others are doing.  Do not get tired of doing it alone.
   “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” II Thes. 3:13

It would be better for all if each Christian would faithfully read God’s Word, and obey all that he is shown in its preserved pages, but not many do that.  They often follow the actions and behavior of those they associate with.  With this reality in mind, our responsibility to be a proper, godly “ensample” is thrust on us.  Lead those that are watching or following your example down the right paths.  There are eyes on your testimony — constantly!