1 Thessalonians: Role Model

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,  so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

Examples: from two words, first: "strike repeatedly" – properly, a model forged by repetition; second: "pattern"; an example; α. in the technical sense, viz. the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made; in an ethical sense, a dissuasive example, pattern of warning; a stamp or scar becoming a model for warning

As I read this passage, my thoughts went to the term, "role models". There are many people who hold the title of "role model", but what do they model? From what pattern were they molded? And what pattern am I following? 

Does it really matter who we pattern ourselves after? Does it really matter who we consider role models? 

Yes, it really does matter. Whether you are seven or seventy, the people who you want to imitate will mold your thoughts, actions, and attitudes. 

Whether you realize it or not, or want to or not, your actions, attitude, and words demonstrate who your role model is. 
Perhaps it's time to consider what type of role model you are becoming. What actions, attitudes, and thoughts are you stamping on others? 

The people to whom this letter was written, were role models of the Lord Jesus. They were living lives that demonstrated Christ's love and warned others of the truth of sin and the everlasting consequences. 

Who is your role model? What type of role model are you?

Reflection

"[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation." Colossians 1:15 (AMP)

Jesus Christ is God in every way. Perfect. Holy. For God to accept Jesus Christ death as a payment for my (our) sin, He had to be — without blame Himself. Only the Son of God could meet the qualifications to provide redemption to sinners. 

As I read this verse, and thought through the accounts of Jesus Christ's time on earth recorded in the Gospels, it was evident that He was indeed the exact likeness of God. His actions, words, abilities, everything Christ did was a reflection of His Heavenly Father. 

Who do people see in my reflection? I'm not God and never will be. I was born a sinner, but thankful I'm saved by God's grace. And because I'm a child of God, my reflection should be of my Heavenly Father. 

In 2011, I wrote "My statement to God about my desire to be in His Word." 

I ended it with this statement: "Your Word has the power to change me into a daughter who 'looks like her Father'. And that is my desire—which I will work toward with strong determination." 

The only way for me to "look like my Father" is to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31; MSG)