Some Sundays I have the opportunity to share the communion meditation with my church family; today was such a day.

Our sermon at MPCC was based on Titus 2:3-8.  While I was reading in preparation, there was one word that kept running through my mind: example.

Webster’s Dictionary states that an example is one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole.  Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary shares that an example is one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not imitated. 

We are reminded throughout the scriptures that being a follower of Christ means exemplifying Christ-like behavior.

In I Timothy 4:12, young believers are reminded:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”         

I have worked at a Christian institution for the past 11 years and have witnessed young people take these verses to heart.  You are never too young to exemplify Christ, and you are never too old to learn from someone else’s example.

In John 13:15 we read the words that Jesus spoke to his disciples:

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” 

He had just washed the feet of His disciples; men who were following Him, serving Him, and He washed their feet.

The ulimate of examples and we have to look no further than here:

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.  When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”                             

                                                                                                                                     I Peter 2: 21-24