Role Models – Getting Honest

Who is your role model?  Who comes to mind when you think of the ideal male or female?   Our culture promotes plenty of role models but are they really the type that we can look up to?  When we focus on these ideal individuals we end up disappointed.   Why?  Because they will never measure up!  They are just human like ourselves.

In my Bible classes I had the students list characteristics of  today’s ideal role models.   Over ninety percent of the characteristics were based purely on the physical!  This should not surprise us because our minds are stimulated by what we see.  That is why advertising is so effective.   Whatever we’re watching and giving our attention to is most likely to persuade us in how we act, live, and think.    

Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us “let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.“    (NLT)

I also had my students list characteristics of Jesus.   Over ninety percent of the characteristics listed were based on the spiritual.   What they see in Jesus is not about the physical at all.   Interesting…    Physical fitness is important (and hard to achieve once lost….stupid resolution!) but spiritual fitness makes us like Christ.   So what is your focus on?  Who is your role model?  Is it someone that seems to have everything going for them on the outside?  What are they really like, inside? 

Let’s get honest with ourselves.  If you’re like me, then the most important thing you can do for 2009 is to develop the characteristics of Jesus.  Work on your vertical relationship with Him.  Take on His dreams and goals for your life.  Let Jesus, the champion perfect your faith.  This will begin the journey to authenticity and allow you to complete God’s purpose for your life.   After all, the physical will pass but the spiritual will last forever!

Kevin