Two Different Opinions

Read: 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Philippians 4:9

It's funny how one thought can trigger another totally unrelated idea. That was the case yesterday when I watched the last story on the news. Hoping for something encouraging. I was not disappointed this time. The segment featured a female soccer star, Carson Pickett. She is a standout player, in spite of the fact that she was born with a substantial part of her left arm as well as her hand missing. She was not featured merely because of the deficit she has and her stellar skill performances in her chosen sport. There is something even greater. The way she uses her life to encourage others. Yesterday's story featured a nine-year-old girl who is also dealing with a similar challenge. After meeting Carson, she is more determined to shine brightly as a soccer star. What I especially found encouraging is the fact that Carson Pickett didn't always have the desire to reach out to others. It used to be that she would hide the fact that her arm was missing. She didn't want to talk about it or let it be seen in the pictures that were taken of her. It is understandable, but it is so sweet when a person turns that hard corner and finds the beauty in being real. Just as Carson has done. Now she wants to be a role model.

Being a role model that was the thought that triggered the memory. I could hear not Carson's voice but Charles Barkley's from the Nike commercial so many years ago. "I am not a role model." That is what Charles Barkley is famous for saying. He made the statement after he was criticized for some of his words and actions that were deemed not to be good models for young people to follow. He was merely an athlete. Parents, not athletes were, in his opinion the ones whom their children should copy. I agree with that statement. Teaching children is the responsibility of their parents. However, that fact doesn't let Charles Barkley or anyone else off the hook. May I explain? Charles Barkley who was a world-renowned basketball player back in 1993 when he spoke those words was a role model whether he wanted to be or not. He was watched by an untold number of people. In truth, to a much lesser degree, we are all role models. Oh yes, our spheres of influence are often small, but people see what we do. Whether good or bad. Whether we would like to hide our deficits or allow them to be seen. We can and often do impact the lives of others. This is especially true for those of us who belong to Jesus' family. We are seen by both other believers as well as the ones who have not yet been born anew. Wow, that sounds like a tall order, doesn't it! Surely, being a role model, whose life changed when we were made new creations, 2 Corinthians 5:17 should shine as we become more and more like Jesus, 2 Corinthians 3:18, but does that mean we will never sin or show the imperfections that are still part of each of our lives? Let's look first at the challenge given to us by the apostle Paul and then look at the lives God has lauded to remind ourselves that this is doable.

Paul says what to me is an amazing thing three times in his epistles. We are to imitate his actions and follow him and others as they follow Jesus. No, Paul knew that he wasn't perfect; however, he was confident enough in the changes that God had made in his life to hold it out before his brothers and sisters. He was a role model, and he could challenge his readers to see how he lived and learn from his actions that were like Jesus', 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Philippians 4:9. That still sounds like a high bar to me. Not because I disagree with what the apostle says but because I know my own vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and so do the writers of scripture all of whom are role models. Men and women whose lives often shone for God but also sometimes looked less than noteworthy. All of Jesus' role models are imperfect, and God has made provision for that.

John says: 1 John 1:8-9 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

All God's role models carry around the most precious treasure. His Word and His Spirit. The emphasis is never on the role model; instead, the emphasis is on God.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

So, let's see. So far, we can be encouraged that God is fully aware that His role models are both sometimes fragile and sometimes sin. Are there any examples of such people in the Bible? Yes, Hebrews 11, the chapter that we call the hall of faith has several fragile people who sinned. Yet, they are given honor by the Lord. Let's look at two quick vignettes:

Abraham is lauded. He is the one whom Genesis 15:6 says believed the amazing promise God had given him. He left Ur without a map or GPS with an "impossible" promise that he and Sarah would be given a son Who would be a blessing to the whole world, Genesis 12:3. However, the account of his life also showed times when his faith weakened. He lied about his relationship with Sarah which twice placed her in vulnerable situations, but God kept her safe, Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 20:1-17. Even so, Abraham's son Isaac, though he was not yet born when Abraham lied about his wife copied his father's behavior. A role model's actions that were carried on by his son.

Moses is also lauded in Hebrews 11. A role model whom the Bible says considered it better to suffer with God's people than to enjoy the riches of Egypt for a little while, Hebrews 11:24-26. However, Moses also became fed up with his people and disobeyed God and misrepresented him before the people, Numbers 20:2-12. Yet, on the other hand, Moses was also a clay pot who in spite of his weaknesses cried out in prayer for his people. Interceding for them before the Lord after they had sinned by making the golden calf, Exodus 32:30-32.

Ups and downs. God's people have always been imperfect role models. Yet, God displayed His light and continues to do so through those whom He has chosen. Those, like us who want to show a watching world what He is like and how much He loves them, John 3:16.