"Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God."
~ Ephesians 5:1-2
As human beings, we were designed to learn and grow.
In order to do so, we must have teachers and role models, those who act in a way and get the kind of results we're after.
... that we might see the way, know the way, and walk in it.
Of course, we have the ULTIMATE role model, and it is our responsibility to become like Him in every way we can, in spite of and sometimes because of our humanness.
But, there is power in human role models as well, both ancient and contemporary.
I used to have a prayer in my brain I hope comes back to the surface one day. But, I had composed it and learned it because I wanted to have the chutzpah of Esther, the faithfulness of Ruth, the courage of Daniel, the forward thinking and integrity of Joseph, the boldness of Joshua and Caleb, the inclination for joyful praise of David, and more.
In all honesty, I can't recall who was in the prayer or which characteristics I asked for, but it serves to illustrate the point.
We are given these stories in Scripture for a reason... for who knows how many reasons. But, I do believe one of those reasons was so they might show us the way.
In a contemporary sense, maybe there's someone in your sphere of influence (known to you personally or not) who has something to teach you.
Be careful to choose someone who authentically has results you want, and who doesn't pay a price you don't care to pay for those results, but it's worth a look around to see who might be worthy of a few lessons.
I have a financial coach. I know what I want my elder years to look like (please God I get to have and enjoy them,) and in order to live them out the way I would like, it is going to take planning and diligence. So, I chose a mighty man of valor to walk alongside, to learn from, and whose example is worth following.
If I were ever to marry, I know exactly who I would call for coaching in what it looks like to be a Godly wife and to have a healthy marriage. I don't know how to do it, but I'd want to do it well, so why not be willing to ask the questions to get the desired outcome?
I have multiple business coaches for various facets of what I'm working on accomplishing in the world. This is new to me. When I see someone achieving in the realm in which I would like to excel (any realm/area/context,) why would I not look to them, emulate them, and even be willing to reach out to them and ask them questions.
There is incredible use to having role models, even just for clarity of vision sometimes.
Be intentional and strategic. People are people, so with the exception of One, our role models will be flawed. Hold their influence with an open hand and pray. Ultimately it falls to the Still Small Voice to influence us in the way we should go. But, when we don't know what we don't know and there's someone out there who does, role models can provide a powerful service in our lives.
It's an access worth exploring, it truly is. If there's an area where you know you're lacking, or results you're not seeing, start to think, who is, has, or does, what I want in this area of life and what can I learn from them, how can I emulate them?
Then, put what you learn and are lead to into action. It always comes back to that "a" word, doesn't it.
We must do our best to do our best, and our Heavenly Father will do the rest.
Blessings on your search, your stepping up/out, and on your results.
Abba Father,
Thank You for giving us wisdom to seek out the right teachers, the right role models.
You know what we need, even more than we do. Thank You for leading us in the way You would have us go and helping us to ever have the will to walk in that way.
You are our greatest gift, and our greatest role model.
Thank You for the privilege of living out this life as You would have us do.
... that we would one day come before you and hear, "well done."
All these things we pray in Your most Holy Names.
Amen.
"This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls..." ~ Jeremiah 6:16
"Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked." ~ 1 John 2:6
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
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