Tuesday 25 August 2009
- Bible Book:
- 1 Thessalonians
"And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it." (v.6-8)
Background
Today's society is almost obsessed by the need to have rolemodels who will serve as an 'example', and the supposed behaviourof these men and women is expected to be emulated by others. Thisis particularly the situation for young people, who for a number ofreasons, are deemed to need someone whose influence and lifestylecan inspire them to 'stay on the straight and narrow'. The call formore positive role model figures has become the mantra ofpoliticians, academics and community leaders alike; and we areoften told that a certain man or women is the perfect role modelfor young people.
There is nothing inherently wrong with the role model phenomenon;the problem often revolves around those who are chosen as rolemodels. Far too often they are unsuitable to carry out these rolesand our scandal obsessed newspapers are replete with stories ofcelebrities, sporting heroes and even business people whose crownsor halos have slipped off their heads after some financial, drug orsex scandal.
It is often argued that there is something in the human conditionthat makes certain men and women 'look up to' heroes or icons. Thequestion is, to whom are they looking asexamples?
In today's reading there are allusions to role models, and we readthe words "you became imitators of us", which suggests thatChristians are called to set the right examples for those who arenew to the faith or are struggling with particular aspects ofbelief. However, all Christians are called to look to Jesus, who isregarded as the true and ultimate role model. He triumphed over thetypes of temptations to which your average role model wouldsuccumb, and unlike men and women who tend to allow adulation to goto their heads, Jesus kept his focus on God at all times. Unlikeearthly role models, Jesus will not let anyone down.
To Ponder
When you look upon the Cross of Jesus what do yousee? Does it affect, in any way, your perception of Jesus as a rolemodel?
What are you doing to be a real role model?