Pliny the Younger (A. D. 100) claimed, “Example, the surest method of instruction.”

Pope John XXIII observed in 1940, “Words move, but examples draw”

Daniel Boorstin stated, “Human models are more vivid and more persuasive than explicit moral commands.”

As Christians these statements remind us the importance of being an example to others (1 Tim 4:12).

I Am My Neighbor’s Bible (Dorthy Keeling)

I am my neighbor’s bible
He reads me when we meet
Today he read me in my home
Tomorrow in the street

He may be a relative or a friend
Or slight acquaintance be
He may not even know my name
Yet, he is reading me

So, I’ll watch my steps where ere they go
And my eyes what they may see
And all the words forth from my lips
Because someone is reading me

I’ll try my best to do God’s will
And be what He wants me to be
An all seeing eye is looking down
And I know He’s reading me

And so my God, who reads us all
Knows me from A to Z
And when I meet him on Judgment Day
He’ll still be reading me

But if I do all of these things
Just so someone may see
And works not prompted by my love
I’ll never be set free

La Rochefoucauld (circa 1650) said, “Nothing is so contagious as example, and our every really good or bad action inspires a similar one.”

What is the example you set for others?

– Scott