What is the importance of finding good role models?

Answer

A role model is someone who provides us with an example for living and decision-making; someone we aspire to follow and imitate, for better or for worse. Most of us have someone we admire, whether it be a teacher, parent, friend, pastor, or a celebrity.

The Bible acknowledges the impact of role models. Parents are natural role models: “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction / and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” «My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother: », (Proverbs 1:8). Church leaders are role models of righteousness: “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” «In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, », (Titus 2:7). And teachers have a significant influence in shaping lives: “Everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” «The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. », (Luke 6:40).

If we are imprudent in our selection of role models, we risk being led astray and compromising our beliefs and morals. Proverbs 13:20 warns, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Thus, the Bible emphasizes the importance of not only finding a good role model but a godly one.

Jesus is, of course, the perfect role model. Although He faced the same temptations we do, He remained sinless throughout His life «For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. », (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35). He showed love and compassion (Luke 7:13; Matthew 15:32), and He worked hard (John 5:17; Matthew 9:35). Jesus, the Son of Man, is a role model to all, and there is none better to follow. We are to “follow in his steps” «For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: », (1 Peter 2:21).

Throughout the Bible, the Lord often called imperfect people to act as role models, including Moses, Elijah, King David, Simon Peter, and many others. The apostle Paul often spoke of his important job as a role model for the early church (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9). Peter warned of false teachers within the church who would be negative role models: “Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute” «And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. », (2 Peter 2:2).

When it comes to finding a good role model, a good thing to consider is whether the person you look up to consistently seeks to imitate Christ (see 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21).

). Does this person display the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)? Do they strive to live in harmony with others «Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. », (Romans 12:16)? No human is perfect, and everyone will falter at some point in their lives «for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; », (Romans 3:23), but if you can answer “yes” to these questions, then you have probably found a good and godly role model.