When you think of an example, who comes to your mind? For many of us it will be a different person. You may think of your parents and the example they gave to you. It may have been a teacher you had in school. Perhaps an employer that helped you as you began your career. Or maybe even an employee that works for you. We have people all around us who are examples. Some of them are good. Some of them may be bad. But we have their lives as an example.
While reading through 1 Peter, I read these words: “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24 (NASB) These are some powerful words. Jesus became the example that each of us should look at and try to imitate.
Jesus gave us an example of suffering. Read through this passage again. When things are going bad for you, what is your first reaction? When someone threatens you or says bad things about you—untrue things—what do you do? Do you speak harshly to them? Do you threaten them? When Jesus was on the cross, all of these things happened to Him. But He went there for each one of us, so that we might be forgiven of our sins. Without His dying on the cross, we would have no hope.
Many in our world today are not trying to follow the example of Jesus. Many are doing the bidding of Satan instead. Did not Jesus say that you cannot serve two masters? (Matthew 6:24)
The next time someone does something that offends you, go back and reflect on these verses. When you do, just imagine the pain and suffering of the One who cared enough to give His very self for you. And then follow His example. What kind of a world would we have if more people were like Jesus? What would it be like if everyone were trying to be like Him?
It all begins with one person. Be that person. Be that good example that is trying to please the Master. Trust in Him and live only for our Lord and Savior each day.