A lot of what we do and the way we perceive things is noticed by so many people. When situations are handled well it's easily noticed, when situations are handled not so well it is also easily noticed. I am sure that we can all think of that person in our lives who seems to handle everything so well. We look at them and think to ourselves that we wish we could handle situations like they can.
No matter what your role is, you can be an example to people. Like I talked about above, you can be both a good example and a bad example. Do you ever wonder what it takes to be a good example? Let me narrow that down, what is one thing that you could be the greatest example for?
We can be an example because of the way we receive the word.
"And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia."
( 1 Thessalonians 6-7 )
The people of Thessaolonica received the word in much affliction. Which means that they received the word in a time where there was a lot of sadness and suffering. Sometimes when we are down and in the dumps, the word is presented to us and totally jacks us up! I am sure we have all been there. You are just coasting along hoping for your day to get better and you come across a bible verse and your day totally changes! We receive that word with joy from the Holy Spirit. When that happens we become an example to all believers. When we receive that word and our days changes, we need to rejoice. It's an amazing thing!
When I first started getting into the word on a regular basis two summers ago, I was in a spot where I received it in much affliction and then became joyful! I was at a time in my life where I needed God and I needed the word of God more than anything. The more and more time I spent in it, the more and more I wanted to share what I was reading and what I was learning. Hence, me starting a blog.
My encouragement, is that we can become an example to all people because of the way that we gather the word. All of our stories and what we learn are so special and amazing that we can't just keep it to ourselves. I am not telling you to go around and talk about how amazing you story is, that isn't an attractive thing at all. It's an attractive thing to know you have that story inside of you and that you are willing to tell anyone who asks. You could tell one person what God is doing in your life right now and you are being a good example. When somebody shares with me what God is doing in their life, it pumps me up. It makes me want to really pay attention to what God is doing in my life.
Don't put a lock on your stories and what you are learning, especially from the word of God. Be willing to share with at least one person, and always get excited to share when somebody asks you. It's okay if you don't go around sharing your story. There are people who like to talk about themselves and there are people who absolutely don't like to. It's fine! We are all different and all have our own personalities.
I am certain that God has done amazing things in your life and if He has not, I am sure that He is about to, or will do something very soon. Be patient. Being patient is tough, but worth it.
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