214/365: Leading and Following

Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. ~ Titus 2: 6-8

Rarely are words the motivator of young men. Actions and behavior are the strongest influencers.

As children, we emulate what we see and learn from what is shown to us. Then we carry those behaviors into our adult life. Both good and bad.

But...what if we were never exposed to men of faith or men of integrity in our early lives? What if we have messed up and strayed off track? It's never too late to start over.

We can learn from our elders. Choose to follow those who are mature in faith and striving to follow the example of Christ (regardless of their age).

Men of faith, it's our duty to "show" what integrity looks like. To demonstrate our beleifs through consistent actions.

GO DEEPER: 1 John 2: 1-11

Next Step: Consider who you are following and also who you may be influencing with your actions.

Robert McFaddin

on 08/03/2023 at 12:39 AM

All of my children are grown. I have 5 sons (2 still at home) and 2 daughters (technically 1 is my granddaughter, but she has always called me dad and she was raised by us for several years). I’m praying that they all see the change in me. I’m not who I was when they were all young. Oldest is 40 and youngest is 22. The girls are the “bookends”. My daughter has chastised me for “preaching” too much. She says she wants to follow God her way. Problem is, it’s not a very biblical way. I try to share truth in love with all of them - and my wife, their momma. I want them - us - all to follow Christ unashamedly.

Old Dude

on 08/02/2023 at 05:16 PM

Very good comments this morning, gentlemen. I'm reminded of something the late Reverend Billy Graham once said. "Satan does not care how much we theorize about Christianity, or how much we profess to know Christ. What he opposes vigorously is the way we live Christ." Will, don't give up. Your boys need you to stand in the gap for them. Praying for you brother. 🙏🏻

Jeremy Miller

on 08/02/2023 at 05:05 PM

Need prayers to be able to truly live as a man of honor and respect. Sometimes I wonder what others would think if they saw the struggles I go through and my response to them.

Will

on 08/02/2023 at 04:54 PM

I’m working hard with two very difficult sons, on integrity and love for others. We’re at a point where I feel like nothing is working. We’ve done Bible studies, prayer, etc. They still cause problems and trouble. How do I help them?

Ethan Rogers

on 08/02/2023 at 04:47 PM

It feels good to be a man of integrity, honesty, and compassion. Jesus's message is just that, being generous, caring, loving with what I say and do to help my fellow brothers and sisters in this life where the world is full of selfish evils that can consume one's direction. God has intended me to be a leader of His way, to show others what the truth in Jesus is all about.

Ashley Jarvis

on 08/02/2023 at 02:15 PM

There is something to be said of the many ways in which we can begin living differently, being a better example of how to live correctly, making fewer mistakes, hurting people less, keeping our tempers in check better, loving others unconditionally more frequently. Most of what I read is geared toward this part of the solution, and it is essential without doubt. However, equally if not more essential, is what we do when we fall short of these aspirations. I’ve found in my journey that it is far more impactful to those around us how we respond following our own mistakes rather than successfully avoiding the mistake. This especially true for my children. Walking into their rooms after having raised my voice, owning my part of the situation, nearly always results in their sincere ownership of the situation ie me having asked them 3 times the same task be completed. Owning my mistakes in a transaction and being surprised by my colleagues graceful response and us mutually working to save a deal. To be honest, eating crow and owning my mistakes is one of the primary motivations to get it right the next time, I don’t enjoy eating crow… I do see now, however, it’s like steroids when we are working on our spiritual fitness, so we should look for the opportunity to make amends wherever possible if we are in a season of growing. God, thank you for the humility and courage to change the things I can, amen 🙏🏻

Boyce Moses

on 08/02/2023 at 02:04 PM

Someone is always watching, so always be a good representative of Christ. Do the right thing even if no one can see. Love you Jesus! 🧡💚🤎💛

Brandon Pembleton

on 08/02/2023 at 02:03 PM

Being a Marine I’ve been in on a ton of leadership training. One of the core principles and common threads of all of those classes sounds a lot like this reading. Leading by example. Our example speaks much louder than simple commands do. It gives those who follow us a blueprint to follow and puts real weight behind our words when it is clearly visible we practice what we preach and aren’t hollow men. Then to the other half of the reading about who’s influencing us reminds me that the company I keep is the company I become. If I’m surrounding myself with good men of faith and higher calling than just self I am surrounding myself with real success. It’s going to rub off. It’s company that is going to really be there when the chips are down. It’s friends that will challenge me if I begin to slack. It’s remarkable as iron sharpens iron God gave me friends to hone me and I could help hone them. What an amazing way to live. So thank you guys for sharing everyday. I love seeing and learning from each one of you. God bless you all and may it be a God centered great day for each of us. I love you God amen 🙏

michael f vinning

on 08/02/2023 at 01:20 PM

And the damage we can do when our words or what we say we believe and our actions/behaviors don’t match up-Hypocrite-is what they see!! And we damage Jesus in their eyes!!

Tommy Williamson

on 08/02/2023 at 12:50 PM

People truly watch our actions more than they listen to the words we speak. I often catch myself “What Would Jesus Do” or “How Would Jesus Act” before I do or react to something and know that others are watching.

214/365: Leading and Following

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