II Thessalonians 3:7
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,”
Paul is providing one of the important reasons to go to church, that is to have people act as examples for us to follow. The previous verse was a negative example, “don’t associate with the brother who leads an unruly life”. Paul wanted the church to live like him, his team and others in the church like him.
The same is true for us. We should have those in our lives who motivate us by their examples. Some of these may be “from afar”. That’s fine. But we should be in relationship with some. They might be in our table at a midweek study. They don’t have to be our bff, but there should be some level of relationship. The Thessalonians didn’t spend a great deal of time with Paul, but they knew one another.
In what areas do we gain from their examples? Many. There are the spiritual disciplines: abstinence (self denial), solitude, silence, fasting, Sabbath, secrecy, submission, engagement, Bible reading, worship, prayer, friendship, personal reflection, and service. All of these are areas that inspire growth.
A mature christian can look back a their lives and put names to individuals that helped them in particular areas. Carl was instrumental in bible journaling, John inspired in individual gifting, Kent did everything in the early years in the faith. God uses all of us to aide one another.
We are to be that example to others. We rarely have to look for candidates. We are to grow in our own faith and the Lord will bring onlookers and interested others in our path.
Lord, thank You for the wonderful others that You’ve brought (and bring) into our lives. Help us to be the good example to those around us.