Sometimes people view things subjectively, opposed to objectively.  At times it is difficult for us to properly examine ourselves as we ought to (II Corinthians 13:5).  It even becomes difficult at times to see our close friends and family members with an objective eye.  Someone who is an objective person can “express or deal with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition).   Being subjective is the opposite of being objective.

     Everyone in a local church is setting some sort of an example for others to see, and very possibly follow.  Everyone from the Sunday morning pew warmer to the enthusiastic Bible Class teacher is setting some sort of example.  All that attend from the older Christian, to the young children, who are just learning about the Lord, are witnesses of behaviors that Christians show forth.  Faithful Christians need to follow Paul’s instructions through his letter to Titus: (Titus 2:7-8) “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”  During your reading of this article you need to be objective.  You need to see yourself clearly.  Then ask yourself the question: what type of example am I to others?

     We all should be striving to be good examples for our brethren to follow.  We should be able to say things like the Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth: (I Corinthians 11:1) “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”  A positive example to follow is very much needed for all of us.  We know that we have many within the pages of God’s word, but what we are in the body of Christ is significant in the saving of souls.  Christians are lights in the world (Matthew 5:16 and Philippians 2:15-16), but that does not mean we are not lights within the church.  For example, when we read the concluding chapter of the book of Romans we read of Phebe.  She is an encouragement to brethren then and now, because she was a helper to Christians (Romans 16:1-2).  Priscilla and Aquila were examples as they would risk their own necks for the sake of brethren (Romans 16:3-4).  We need brothers and sisters in the body of Christ today like Phebe, Priscilla, and Aquila.

     It is encouraging to come to services and find that everyone is there all of the time.  We assemble together in part to edify each other (Hebrews 10:24-25).  It is an encouragement to be able to say that brother and / or sister ___________ will be at services today, because they are always there.  Thus, those who attend faithfully are good examples for all to follow.  It is encouraging to brethren to see growth in the lives of their brothers and sisters in Christ.  As Christians we are to grow spiritually (II Peter 1:5-10 and II Peter 3:18).  Christians who are growing through studies in the word of God (John 5:39) are being good examples for their brethren to follow.

     It is encouraging to notice your brethren worshipping correctly.  We see good examples in how brethren worship.  To hear the voices of brethren raised together in song (Ephesians 5:19), to note brethren remembering the Lord’s death through partaking of the “Lord’s Supper” (Acts 20:7 and I Corinthians 11:23-26), to know that brethren are giving as they ought to (I Corinthians 16:1-2), praying with you (Acts 12:12), and partaking in the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 20:7ff.), is edifying.  It is encouraging for brethren to spend time with one another outside of the assembling times of the local church (Acts 2:46).  Brethren who lead through good examples are brethren who will show interest in others.  They will want to be together so that each Christian can support each other.  When going through life in the world it is needful to have one another to lean upon.  Do you do these types of things and by so doing; do you show a good example to your brethren?   If not, are your actions best described by saying you are a negative example to your brethren?

     Along with good examples of faithful brethren in the New Testament there are negative examples as well.  Demas forsook Paul and served as a bad example of a Christian then and today (II Timothy 4:10).  Alexander the coppersmith did much evil to Paul, and was someone to be concerned about for the effect he may have on others (II Timothy 4:14-15).  Diotrephes wanted the preeminence among brethren and needed to be confronted (III John 9-11).  The church does not need examples like Demas, Alexander the coppersmith, and Diotrephes today.

     When Sunday morning or Wednesday evening comes, those who serve as bad examples in a local congregation may not at services be found.  They have chosen not to attend with the saints.  They are saying through their actions that the kingdom of God comes second to them and by doing so, they portray an example not befitting a Christian (Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:1-3, and Hebrews 10:25).  Sometimes the bad examples attend every service, but they are there discouraging those trying to serve the Lord.  When Bible questions need answered and older brothers and sisters of the faith (those who have been Christians longer than others) cannot answer, they are bad examples of growth.  When Christians have questions about how to handle a matter in their lives spiritually they should be able to depend upon those who are Christians of age.  When they cannot, a bad example is set forth.  When those “younger in the faith” are the leaders in a local church; that does not serve as a compliment to those of supposed maturity (Titus 2:2-6).

     When brethren assemble for worship and they find some who are not singing with the rest of the saints - a bad example is being set (Colossians 3:16).  When a brother or sister observes the “passover” when the collection is taken – a bad example is being set (II Corinthians 9:7).  When a brother or sister in Christ abuses the Lord’s Supper in any way – a bad example is being set (I Corinthians 11:29).  When a brother or sister in Christ decides to talk during, ignore, sleep through, or other types of defiant behaviors during the preaching of God’s word – a bad example is being set (Acts 17:10-11).  When a brother or sister in Christ finds prayer to be of no importance – a bad example is being set (I Thessalonians 5:17).  When brethren decide not to spend time with their fellow saints they are not being an encourager, but a discourager.  (Who in this world could possibly serve as better people to have as friends, than those of like precious faith?)  When a Christian fails to be a good example, it is because they themselves are not spiritually right in the sight of God and they have nothing to set forth that is good for others to follow.

     The church of Christ is led by the Scriptures, but brethren need to resemble what is recorded in the word of God to teach by example.  When Christians are setting examples that discourage brethren and possibly even lead others astray, the church of our Lord is not being strengthened.  If you are failing in being a good example to your brethren it is time to change before it is too late (Luke 13:3; 5).  If you are a good example continue to be such and grow daily that tomorrow you may be a better example to your brethren than you are today.  The body of Christ is to be edified through each Christian (Ephesians 4:16), let us strive to get to that point.