Being a Good Example by Shining Your Light

Why is it so important for us to be a light to others through our example?

Going with the flow of things around us is easy. It helps us blend in with the people around us, doesn’t it? But what happens when the river around us is not what Christian waters should look like?

Leading by setting a godly example has many benefits. It not only encourages others to do the right thing as well, but it also creates a positive internal attitude.

Being a light

Matthew 5:14 states, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Light pierces through darkness. Our light should grow to extinguish the darkness around us.

This is how we, as Christians, should navigate this dark world. 

Starting out, this can be very scary. For example, the idea that people might call you out for not partaking in their shenanigans can be intimidating. But eventually, many people will admire you for doing what’s right. They will see how much it impacts your life, and the happiness that radiates from you. Some might even want to know more.

Having faith in God and godly hope for the future helps us shine our spiritual light. In contrast, without God, we are cold and dark.

The world we live in is a frigid and gloomy place. We must rely on God and ask for His guidance.

Five points to being a light

Here are five points we can focus on to help us practice godly leadership and set a good example.

Speak kindly

Speaking words of kindness is one of the most important things we can do. It not only impacts the way we think, but also truly affects those around us. The ability to speak kindly and softly starts in our minds. We must think pure in order to speak pure. 

An example of what not to do is participating in inappropriate (racist, insensitive, etc.) jokes. This is way too normalized in our world today. We might need to imagine ourselves on the other end of the joke in order to really put this into perspective. 

Words hurt people and are impossible to unsay. 

But, on the other hand, “kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Proverbs 16:24, New Living Translation). We want what we say to make someone’s day change for the better.

Have compassion

Along with speaking kindly, we should have concern for those around us. We should learn to focus on others regardless of our own interests.

Jesus Christ Himself is the ultimate example of compassion. He gave everything—His life—for humanity. At the very least, we can strive to emulate His ongoing concern for others.

This becomes easier when we know our audience well—being aware of their history and experiences to the best of our abilities. We can do this by learning what people are going through and thinking about what to say and not say around them. 

Peter tells us to have “compassion for one another” (1 Peter 3:8).

Have a positive attitude

A positive attitude can also help counteract the negativity so prevalent around us. This stands out to others and can help others do the same (Proverbs 17:22).

Being positive can be encouraging to both your friends within the Church and those outside the Church. This takes practice. But the more you practice putting positivity into your daily routine, the easier and more natural it will become. 

Look to those older than you for guidance

Most of us can think of some older ladies and gentlemen in our congregation and hometown who have been outstanding examples in these three points. Observe them and listen to the way they interact with others. 

Being able to stand out from the world and provide a godly example is challenging, so it is tremendously helpful to get to know those who have been able to resist the worldly standards around them and strive to do what God has commanded. However, it’s essential to understand that it must be genuine, from the heart. You have to truly want to do good and help others do good as well.

Build your relationship with God

The most important key is developing a strong and healthy relationship with God. Prayer and Bible study are two tools for growing in our relationship with our Father. Prayer is how we talk to Him, and Bible study is how God communicates with us.

Having God in our lives and drawing closer to Him will increasingly help us to shine as lights in this dark and treacherous world.

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