As we go through life, others around us have a great influence on us especially our parents, relatives, teachers, and other leaders. Often, we don’t realize the influence we have by what we say and do. I remember a next-door neighbor that lived on a nearby farm. He never taught a Bible study or preached a sermon, but he modeled what it was to be a follower of Jesus. His actions, as he lived a Christian life, made an impression on me, although the neighbor probably never realized this. Just recently I picked up a note someone wrote to me 12 years ago on how I was a significant spiritual influence in her life. Sometimes we don’t realize how much we impact others.
In our story of Moses, he had a situation in his life where he did not follow what God called him to do. Because these actions were public, they set a poor example to the people he was leading. As a consequence, God was angry. Numbers 27: 12 The Lord said to Moses, “One day you will go up into the mountains east of the Jordan River, and from there you will see the land I am giving the Israelites. 13 After you have seen it, you will die, just like your brother Aaron, 14 because both of you disobeyed me at Meribah near the town of Kadesh in the Zin Desert. When the Israelites insulted me there, you didn’t believe in my holy power.[1]
Overall Moses was a great leader, but like all of us, he fell short at times. In the New Testament the Apostle Paul talks about the importance of setting an example. Other than Christ, no other person suffered more than Paul in the New Testament scripture. He wrote to the church at Philippi. Phil. 3:15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you… 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.[2] Here Paul gives us two different sources for which we are to follow; “join in imitating me” and “keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Every believer needs a Godly example in their life. Obviously, Paul still gives us an example of how to walk with God. But it is helpful to have a friend that is “walking according to the example of Christ” in our lives.
Even if you think no one pays attention to your actions, people watch what you do. Ideally, every believer gives an example for other Christians and for those who are not saved. Hopefully, the example is one that glorifies Christ and His church. Unfortunately, the bad actions of people who call themselves Christian can damage the name of Christ.
As Christians we might be the only Bible unbelievers will ever read. With that in mind, we need to be mindful to follow Christ’s example of being a servant. We also should follow Paul’s example of obedience to Christ and suffering. We can be sure that both God and others are watching us.
To hear more about Moses and his leadership example, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/the-footsteps-of-moses/passing-the-mantle
[1] Contemporary English Version (CEV)Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.