You're Being Watched

by Emily
from Virtuous Daughters, August 2008~Volume 8, Number 5

It’s true. Whether or not you like it, or whether or not you are even aware of it, YOU are being watched. Which means, of course, that you are setting an example. The question is, what kind of example are you setting? As Christians, we need to be sure that we are being a good testimony to the world. That way, our unsaved neighbors, relatives, or acquaintances won’t look at us and say, “They say that they’re Christians, but look at what they do!” This is probably one of the easier and more obvious areas in which we are to be an example.

Another area in which we can be godly examples is to our younger siblings. This is harder, because, for one reason, we are around them all the time and it is easy to get careless about it. It is very important, however! Young children are quick to copy your words and actions. If you sound unhappy about work, and complain, they’re likely to pick up on your attitude, and also complain. On the other hand, this means that if you’re cheerful about something, chances are they’ll be cheerful too! Not long ago, I was planning on cleaning out one of our vans, which had been needing vacuuming for awhile. My mom suggested having my 7-year-old sister help me. When I told her, “Naomi, guess what? This afternoon, I’m going to clean the van, and you can help me!”, she got excited and willingly helped me with the little things that she could do. Even though it’s hard at times, speaking with patience and not getting irritated can be a great example to them, and you’ll see them act the same way that you have shown them.

Be an example to girls that you know who are younger than you. It is encouraging to have someone you can look up to, and you can be that someone for the younger girls who watch you. You can also go beyond just being an example, and go out of your way to say hello, be friendly, and talk to girls who are a little younger than you. This can be a real blessing to them, and to you! By dressing modestly to please the Lord, serving quietly without seeking to draw attention to what you are doing, and doing what is right regardless of what others are doing, you are being a great example that they will look up to.

First Timothy 4:12 gives us some areas in which we can be an example. It says, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Be an example in word by building others up and encouraging them, not gossiping or talking unkindly or disrespectfully of others. Be an example in conversation, which means not only the way you speak, but also the way you live and act, in general. Be an example of charity by showing others Christ’s love in practical ways. Be an example in spirit as you are filled with the fruits of the Spirit and have a good attitude, or spirit, about you. By putting your faith in the Lord, not only for salvation, but by trusting Him for everything, be an example in faith. Be an example in purity by being “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
   
​At times it may seem that your example is not making any difference, but it really is! While you may see some of the results of your godly example now, there may be many more that you will know nothing of, here on earth. We can’t see how far the extent of our influence in reaching, even when we aren’t aware of it. Don’t be discouraged, but continue to be an example for others as you follow the example that Christ has left for us (1 Peter 2:21)!