We don’t just follow examples; we also set them.

The Bible doesn’t only encourage us to consider who influences us, but how we influence others. So, Timothy has followed Paul’s example (2 Tim 3:10-11); but Timothy now is to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12). While that command applies particularly to church ministers, the principle is relevant to all of us.

It’s worth sitting down and asking yourself: what example am I setting to others?

Whether we like it or not, the eyes of others are always watching us. Our children are watching us. Our colleagues are watching us. Our neighbours are watching us. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are watching us. The children in Sunday School are watching us. They unconsciously absorb what they see. A little bit of us is rubbing off on them. That’s why they can predict things about us: how we walk into a room, whom we speak to, the atmosphere we create, how approachable we are, the things that are important to us, how open or closed we are. Others notice what we say in our unguarded moments, when we’re tired, or a bit grumpy. They notice how we react (or don’t react) to our own sin and the sin of others. They absorb how we relate to the local church, and on what basis we decide to be present at worship.

It’s a scary thought. I think a key part of maturing as a Christian is grappling with this reality.