Leading by Example
By Andrea Chatelain
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them— not because you must, but because you are willing… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”1 Peter 5:2-3
Sometimes my greatest impact, positive or negative, comes when I think no one’s watching.
One hand was on the wheel, the other in the air. It was just another drive to the grocery store blasting my favorite gospel music. It didn’t seem like an important moment until I looked back and saw my daughter. Her little hand was stretched high as she sang along with me.
It reminded me how powerful our actions of faith can be.
Don’t let my example fool you. I blow it about twenty times a day in parenthood and in life. Who knows what my three-year-old tells his preschool teacher. Maybe something about his mom yelling at the dog who peed on the carpet again. Or perhaps how I gasp fearfully at any sudden movement.
Truth is, I’ve modeled frustration, impatience, doubt, and fear more than I’ve wanted to.
But that day in the car made me more aware that my actions and words are important in God’s kingdom. I claim to be a Christian, but is my faith evident to others by what I do? Do we as God’s people show His love instead of just telling about it?
We’ll never be perfect, but that’s not the point. As I seek to be an example of God’s love to everyone I meet, including my family, I keep my lifeline to God active so I can reflect His love when mine is wearing thin. Thank You Jesus for teaching us how to walk in Your ways!
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministriesteam, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
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Originally published Thursday, 11 May 2023.
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