The making of a model

By Erik Farstad

January 22, 1998

"...in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow." 2 Thessalonians 3:9b

I think of a father and mother and the important role they play in a child’s life. As a child is growing he/she looks to their parents for direction and as an example of living. Attitudes, beliefs and actions are all influenced by a parents life (the model they represent), thus it is very important of how they live it.

Does how you live your life make a difference? Yes!. All eyes are on you and how you live your life and what you represent. A model, as in a toy boat or car, starts with a soft piece of clay or form of plastic. It is then molded to fit a desired shape and soon after hardens. Life is a process of shaping, we are born a soft piece of clay and over the years are shaped and re-shaped. The question is, who or what is shaping you? Is it the world and your surroundings? Is it Christ and His word? Who or what shapes you will determine what you will eventually represent to those around you.

Another question to ask yourself is, have you become too hardened? Can you take a piece of hardened clay and move it to a new form? No. Herein lies the importance, two-fold: First, you have options to be molded by your experiences in life; from home, school, church and the world. Where are you choosing to look for direction? Have you become too hardened to be re-shaped to where Christ wants you? If so, don’t worry, HE can do anything. He wants to break you down, tear down your hardened walls that separate you from Him. Are you willing to allow that, or have you become too "formed in your ways!"

Secondly, much like a child that can be shaped by their parents, so can the world be shaped by the model you live. As you may have already experienced in one form or another, your model of life affects everyone else. So if you are too hardened to change, to be more like Christ, who will reach out to the world? Imagine someone is watching your life right now, trust me someone is. Now suppose they saw you change your life is some way and became more like Christ, more loving, giving or selfless for instance. Isn’t it possible that by your willingness to allow Christ to mold you and shape you, could prompt others to follow? You bet!

So are you being effective for the Kingdom of God by your model? The world is full of God’s children who are looking for a model to follow, can they follow yours?

Let this be your prayer today:
Dear Lord, I pray today that you would help me see that the model I need to look to follow is YOU and only you. I want to impact this world, to draw many of your children back home to you. I understand the important part I play in peoples lives and want to be a Christ-like example to them. I ask that you break down my clay hardened walls and shape me to the "model" you want me to represent. I thank you for your everlasting love and concern for me. Today, let me be a model of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stand still before the Lord and ask for His mighty hands to shape your life!

In Him, "E"