How to set a good example...

Titus 2:7-8 "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Our ability to set a good example depends on consistency, attitude and healthy speech.

Consistency
The if the integrity of a structure is compromised the building will collapse. A structure must be able to with stand the pressures applied to it by outside forces or load bearing weight. Similarly, our teaching must be able to withstand the pressures of those who would test it's reliability, strength, and connections. Is the logic good. Can it with stand the scrutiny of the sincere soul's probing questions. Or do we contradict ourselves or the Scriptures which are the only sure foundation of the truth. Or do our words contradict our actions? Too often mine have and and it ruins our ability to set an example. 1 Timothy 4:16 says, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." What we say must be consistent with the Bible, our other teachings and our lifestyle. That is integrity.

Attitude
Salvation and religion are serous things. They matter. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world and when speaking of about it, we must be serious. That doesn't mean we don't ever joke or be light hearted. But it does mean that we have attitude that takes doctrinal maters seriously. There is a pervasive idea today that as long as you believe Jesus existed that is all that matters. But a whole lot more than just calling Him "Lord" matters. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." We need to take doctrine and the teaching of Jesus from the Scriptures very serious. Jesus asked in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" We better take the Word of God which we teach very serious, too the point we put it into practice.

Healthy Speech
When someone is of "sound mind," it means they have a healthy mind. Soundness of speech means healthy speech. If our speech is not healthy, we can't win the people with the truth. They way we talk and the attitude we have with others will determine if our conversations about Jesus are healthy and fruitful or negative and harmful. Sometimes it's not what you say but how you say it. It is better to say to your wife, "when I look at you time stands still," then to say to her, "your face would stop a clock." It's the same thing but it makes a big difference how you say it. I often flub up here. Often because there are unhealthy things in my heart like pride, competitiveness, jealousy, or rage. Jesus said, Matthew 12:34 "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." I can never clean up my mouth or speak the love of Jesus until I purify the impure motives of my heart.

So if you want to set a good example, teach with consistency, take it seriously, and use healthy speech from a pure heart. Remember James 4:8 says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

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