For Example

Read: 1 Thessalonians 1

Shepherd the flock of God ... [by] being examples to the flock. --- 1 Peter 5:2-3

The Bible In One Year:
Proverbs 8-9
2 Corinthians 3

A mother cheetash brought a live gazelle fawn to her 5-month-old cubs and released it. After the cubs made several unsuccessful attacks, the mama cheetah intervened and showed them how to "catch dinner."

I observed a similar technique used by a life insurance saleman. After he told me about the benefits of a particular policy, he shared how much coverage he had for his own family. His words took on new meaning because he demonstrated by his own example how to insure a family inadequately.

If we want to teach others the art of knowing God and serving Him, we can't overemphasize the importance and the power of example. That's how Christ and His apostles communicated the same message. Their obedience to God was seen in flesh-and-blood terms that were easily understood.

Leadership by example is contagious. When Paul mentioned the Thessalonians, who had become "followers of us and of the Lord," he said that they also "became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia" [1 Thessalonians 1:6-7].

Leadership is more than something that automatically goes with an official title like Dad, Mom, Pastor, or Teacher. Those who want to lead and help others must first of all be good examples. --- Mart De Haan

All in vain is splendid preaching
And the noble things we say;
All our talk is wasted teaching
If we do not lead the way. --- Anon.

YOU CANNOT TEACH WHAT YOU DO NOT KNOW, NOR LEAD WHERE YOU DO NOT GO.