Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Growing up I always had a role model, whether it was the cool Senior girl in the youth group or my youth pastors wife, I always had someone I was watching. Someone I wanted to be just like. I watched everything they did. I admired their love for Christ and wanted to be exactly like that when I "grew up".
Well I guess I've grown up because I've recently come to the conclusion that it's my turn to be that role model. Now that I'm a senior I've become more aware of who is watching. I've been getting messages lately from a few little girls who remind me a lot of myself when I was their age. They say things like "I admire your passion for the Lord" or "You're my Christian inspiration." Although these messages are flattering and in my opinion the best compliment I could receive, that's a lot of pressure.
Someone is always watching. No matter who you are there is always going to be someone younger who wants to be just like you, which means you have greater accountability for your decisions and your actions because they influence others so much.
However, being a Christian role model doesn't mean you have to put on a fake show for others trying to be the "perfect Christian". For example if you have ever read the story of Ruth in the bible, you know that Naomi, Ruth's mother in law, was Ruth's biggest role model. Although Naomi wasn't a perfect witness, she showed what it meant to have faith during the tough times, when it really counts. Ruth could tell that her relationship with God was very real, sustaining her through one crisis after another. "Plastic Christians" who fake their way through life don't often touch others' lives. If you want to start making an impact for Christ among those who watch you, start by getting real.
I know how easy it is when someone tells you that they look up to you, to just take it as a compliment and not do anything about it. They love you so why don't you make them feel loved in return? Become interested in their lives and when they run into sticky situations help them out because chances are you've already been through the same thing.
You may think "why would anyone ever look up to me?" Some people aren't the type to come up to you and say "Hey you are my role model" because honestly that takes a lot of guts. They may not be brave enough to say something to you but they are always watching. Just remember that the best testimony is not what we say to others, but how we live our lives.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16
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