The Power Of Example

by R.SHAW. | Category: General | Apr 1959

In most of the manual occupations it is customary to link the apprentice to a man of experience, so that the learner may master his trade both in theory and practice. He not only is given instruction as to what he should do, but is perfectly entitled to ask for a demonstration. A good journeyman will be delighted to do this for the young learner and as he sees his progress, encourage him to use what personal gift or skill he may be endowed with.

The apostle Paul wrote to his child in faith, Timothy, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2. 15).

The apostle had no hesitation in instructing Timothy with important work. He had served alongside that prince of workmen and had proved himself a worthy servant and fellow-worker. Writing of him to the Philippians Paul said, "But ye know the proof of him, that as a child serveth a father, so he served with me as the ministry of the gospel" (Philippians 2.22). Timothy, and all others who heard the apostle's teaching, saw in the teacher a living example of the doctrines; hence Paul could say, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ " (1 Corinthians 11. 1).

The spiritual growth of young disciples must certainly give us grave concern today. It is very easy to point out some of the errors of their ways, but more than that is called for to effect their deliverance from these errors and to lead them on in the right ways of the Lord. To be effective, right precepts need to be strengthened by example thus it was that Paul exhorted Timothy as in 1 Timothy 4.10, "Be thou an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity."

The more mature amongst God's people must give the lead. What an incentive it must have been to the young warrior Joshua, as he led newly-redeemed Israel that day against that cruel and ancient foe, Amalek, to know that Moses was on the hilltop with his hands raised in supplication. "In all things I gave you an example," said Paul to the elders from Ephesus.

And who is this servant of the Lord, who was used so mightily during those eighteen months in Corinth? Let us go along to the home of Priscilla and Aquilla and see them together at their humble trade making tents What a noble, yet unassuming man was "the apostle of the Gentiles."

"The things which ye both learned and received and saw in me, those things do, and the God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4.9).

R.SHAW. | Apr 1959
General