THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Example of Godliness

“A bishop then must be…of good behavior…” (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV)

                                                                                           

If we are going to lead people in the church, there is no better place to begin than with our personal example of godliness.  The most obvious thing people will see and know about us is our behavior.  Such will either undergird or undermine our message.  What kind of model am I providing?

Goodness is related to godliness.  That is an attribute of God which we may—and we must—emulate.  What we will then display is love, mercy, kindness, righteousness, justice and veracity.  Our conduct will parallel our communication.

The ESV translates this word as, “respectable.”  Only those who live righteously are worthy of respect.  No one respects a hypocrite—they loathe them.  Such respect cannot be demanded based on our position, but must be deserved based on our practice.  Consider this poem by Edgar Guest:

I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day:
I'd rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye's a better pupil, and more willing than the ear,
Fine council is confusing, but example's always clear.

The best of all the preachers are men who live their creed,
For to see good put into action, is what everyone needs.

I can soon learn how to do it, if you let me see it done,
I can catch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast my run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you in the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

A PRAYER

Righteous One,

You provide the impeccable standard of behavior.  All You do is right.  That righteousness is bestowed upon me by faith in Your Son, and is expressed by Your indwelling Spirit.  Please help me to practice what I preach.  May people see a sermon fleshed out in my faithful conduct each day!

In the name of the Sinless Savior,

Amen.