Role Model by Rajendra Prasad

Do we have role models from the world or from the Bible? Children on TV shows say parents are their ideals. We need to careful who we choose as our rule model. As Christians, we have the example of Father God who gave His son and Christ who gave His life. God called us to be role models and show His light to the world.

When the preacher was a small boy, he lost his father and had no role model or clue about what to do and whom to follow. He just remembers what God has done to his life. Fatherless children go astray often but God had a purpose for his life and guided him.

The Bible tells us to be imitators of Christ and in turn reflect Christ through our life. Every moment on this earth is precious. We don’t know when our time here ends so we must be focused on transforming people’s life. We are responsible to change lives as the world is going the way where they will perish. As a little salt makes much difference, so also we being few must affect the community around. Jesus calls us friends. We are important to fulfilling His plan and need to do the will of God.

We lead busy lives but despite our work and other commitments, we need to plan our work for church/serving God. The preacher shared his example where God spoke to him and he started going to office at the correct time. We need to be a role model as Christians.

Pick your role models wisely, find what they did and do it. We have a God who did not tell us, he showed us. Jesus not only preached but demonstrated true love on the cross. Children learn more from what you are than what you teach them verbally.

The preacher showed pictures of his role models as a youth. Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Bruce Lee were his models and he tried to punch walls like them. He also watched movies and got excited when he saw Slyvester Stallone, Arnold, Kamal Hassan on screen. Deigo Maradona  the another person the preacher admired who later was arrested for cocaine and marijuana. There were no buses on the route in the evening and he used to  come back running from the cinema halls. Then he realized what he was doing was wrong. Are celebrities, politicial leaders, sports person your role model?

Matthew 11:29 quotes Jesus, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for i am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The preacher remembers his young days when he got angry and furious and kicked his siblings like his heroes did onscreen. Today he is not the same person and has learnt from this verse. Kids irritate at times but he now is patient. It’s not easy to portray Christ though we may say we follow him. We have to learn from Him and then impact the world.

The preacher was sent away from class as he did not have full pants to wear and today he has come a long way with a stable government job. God’s plans are great and He can use you if you abide in Him. The preacher used to smoke and drink during college but God changed his life.

We need to guide children as they may follow the world and go wayward. He thanked God for Children’s Club at New Life Fellowship HSR and said if we teach kids from childhood the straight way, they will not digress from it as adults.

Again he asked us if we are imitating Jesus? He prayed everytime and spent time with the Father. Do we have time to pray? Let us remember that the world is watching us. The word of God says we are the light of the world.

A painful death was awaiting but Jesus submitted and showed the world the Father’s love by sacrificing His life. God has gifted us time so we need to use it effectively. Are we able to sacrifice our time or something (talents or gifts) for Him? God wants to establish His kingdom through us. We need to set aside time for his work and to reflect His glory. He will use us if we are available.

The widow in 1 Kings 17 had little oil and flour but God caused it to be sufficient. Similarly, we submit and are avail, He can use us and enable us.

John 13: 1 to 17 Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

A servant is not greater than his master so we need to be humble and serve like He did.

Teachers have impacted our lives and we still remember them. Jesus being a king washed disciples’ feet. Recently there was a news about a political leader who may not even be educated who got his shoe cleaned by an IAS officer. The world is different but Jesus set an example and as scripture said, we need to learn from him.

There were no buses on the routes he frequented during the preacher’s youth nor did he have money for tickets but God changed his life. We need to learn from Him and He can change us. Think what is right and wrong as celebrities and the world teaches us many things. People reached other planets but are we even reaching out to our own neighbours?

Church is a family of families that needs to impact our marketplace. Are we selfish as we are now saved? We need to learn from Him who is in us and is greater. The world may be busy fulfilling their desires but we need to impact them. Are we all an answer to them? The world is watching and we need to practically follow what we tell others. Learn from Christ who is the perfect role model.

Characters in Bible are also available for us to learn from. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us that we are the light of the world. Take time to meet people in our apartments and other places of influence. People around should know whom we serve. Namesake Christians whose life is in vain cannot be a light to those in darkness. Success isn’t about how much money we make, it’s about the difference we make in people’s lives.