Very few of us realize how many people are watching what we do. But people ARE watching, and WE SHOULD SET A GODLY EXAMPLE FOR THOSE AROUND US. This week, let’s think about our need to do and say things that would make a worthy example for others to go by.

We don’t have to be perfect to provide a helpful pattern for those around us. We just have to provide a model of living that lifts others up and doesn't pull them down. A part of our good example is the simple willingness to correct our mistakes when we become aware that our conduct has not been worthy of imitation. Absolute sinlessness is not the kind of consistency others expect of us. They will get that only from the Lord. What they do need from us is very practical and possible, even in a fallen world: a consistent willingness to admit our blunders and correct them.

In a way, we OWE others a godly example. To set the right pattern is the least we can do for them. There is no shortage of folks who will set the WRONG example. That will be done no matter what our own actions are. But if we don’t set the RIGHT example, our friends and neighbors may not get it anywhere else. Doesn’t everybody deserve to have at least one person doing the right thing before them? Is it fair when we deprive our friends of what may be the only godly example they have a chance to be exposed to? It’s something to think about.

Throughout this week, let’s be mindful of our example. If necessary, let’s “bend over backward” to not only do what is strictly and legally right, but also go beyond that and choose the very BEST among the alternatives that are right. Being “example conscious” will prompt us to go the extra mile to make SURE that others are seeing an unmistakable, unequivocal example of godliness in our lives. Of course, this will mean having to do some inconvenient things — and it will mean leaving off some things we might like to enjoy if we were the only people in the world. But we’re not alone in this world. Others are watching! And that’s why Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).