There’s a good chance you will identify with my experience. The desire to be a role model for others is deeply rooted in the heart of a Christian. This longing is the evidence of genuine faith that seeks to touch and positively influence others through personal example. When we reflect on the topic of being a role model, our thoughts inevitably turn to those people who have done this for us—through their attitude, their decisions, and their lives. They enriched our lives and left a lasting impression on us. One could fill an entire book with their stories—but three examples shall suffice.
1. My father, who lived out his priorities
My first example takes me back to my early childhood—that era when wages were still paid in cash weekly. Every Friday evening, my father would come home with a brown envelope containing both bills and coins. Once dinner was over and the table cleared, he would take his time opening the envelope, take out his earnings, and begin to divide the money conscientiously.
What is engraved indelibly on my heart was the fact that the first portion he calculated was the tithe for the Lord. He placed it in a separate envelope—designated for the offering on the coming Sunday. We children soon understood: this was about genuine priorities. First things came first. Then our mother received the housekeeping budget, funds were set aside to pay bills, and part of the money was saved—to be taken to the bank in the next days. Years later, when I started my first job, I copied my father. In our marriage, we also lived by this principle, so our children grew up with the same routine. I suspect they, too, will pass this principle on to their children.
I am deeply grateful to my father for this simple example yet powerful influence. It is etched on my soul. And it aligns with a biblical principle that Jesus himself taught:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to to you” (Matthew 6:33).
2. A brother with conviction
A second experience occurred many years ago during a special church conference. During the breaks, attendees took the opportunity to get some fresh air or chat with others. I joined a small group of brothers. As it sometimes happens in such circles, the conversation soon veered off—and eventually, someone mentioned a person who wasn’t present. Such conversations rarely take a good turn: one said this, another said that…
But then the unexpected happened. One brother said firmly, “I’ve made a decision not to talk about other people.” That one sentence hit us like a lightning bolt. Suddenly, there was silence. The conversation ceased; the group dissolved. Everyone went their own way— convicted by their conscience.
I can’t speak for the others, but I was deeply embarrassed —and at the same time, greatly impressed. Why had we let the conversation go in that direction? We all knew it wasn’t right. Even today, decades later, I still remember that moment. Through his attitude, and his courage to get us back on track, that brother became a role model to me.
The words of the Apostle Paul are timely here:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV).
3. A hidden gift with great impact
The third example took place during our early years as a young couple in church ministry in Steinbach, Manitoba. The service proceeded as usual: congregational hymn with offering, Scripture reading and prayer, choir song, sermon, closing hymn. Afterward, the brothers counted the offering together with the treasurer in an adjacent room.
Suddenly, the door opened, and one of the brothers motioned for me to come in. On the table lay the offering plate and its contents. One of the brothers picked up an inconspicuous one-dollar bill. As it was unfolded a larger sum of money was revealed —a fifty and a hundred-dollar bill.
Someone had intentionally hidden the larger gift—wrapped in a modest, one-dollar bill. This unidentified giver became a role model for me. What moved him to conceal his gift so discreetly? What would we have done? Might we have laid the greater contribution openly on top and wrapped the one-dollar bill inside? I hope not—and yet: the temptation to be noticed is real.
But this donor lived out a biblical principle emphasized by Jesus:
“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:2).
Conclusion: role models shape us – often inadvertently
Over the years, I have met many people whose lives became an example to me—men and women, young and old. I could say to each one: “You were a role model for me.” Maybe you were one of them. Perhaps you aren’t even aware of it. And yet—through your life, through your leading by example, you helped me on my spiritual journey. Your prayer was answered. You were a blessing. I can’t tell you in person—but I want to express it with humility and gratitude:
“God bless you for your faithful and exemplary life. You were a role model —and a blessing. Your example encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.”
Harry Semenjuk
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
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