做榜樣 Be An Example

金句:「…要在言語、行為、愛心、信心、清潔上，都作信徒的榜樣。」

（提摩太前書4章12節）

獲選為我們的社區「最優秀和聰明」的一位高三學生，他誠實的表現令人折服。在參加拼字比賽時，他的校隊抽到了auditorium這個字，布恩迪．戴維斯低著頭思索答案，卻看到那個字正好印在麥克風的架子上。他據實地告訴了評審員，評審員便換了一個更難的字。不管別人有沒有注意到，布恩迪都做了他認為正確的事。

我們不知道，自己的行為何時會成為別人的榜樣。但我們每天若都為榮耀主而活，不管是誰在看，我們的行為都會顯出他的公義。

年輕人經常表現的是理想主義和熱情無限，但對於各個年齡層的基督徒來說，應當追求的是正直和榮譽。保羅勸告他所鍾愛的少年提摩太說：「不可叫人小看你年輕，總要在言語、行為、愛心、信心、清潔上，都作信徒的榜樣。」（提摩太前書4章12節）

布恩迪說，他的人生目標是改變周圍的世界，而決不向世界妥協。但願我們也有他那樣的人生追求，誠實正直，在行為上做榜樣。DCM

我要忠誠，因別人對我信賴；

我要純潔，因為有人關懷；

我要堅強，人間痛苦才能當；

我要膽壯，才能抵擋強敵。Walter

好榜樣就是一篇好講章。

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Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. —1 Timothy 4:12

A high school senior honored as one of the "Best & Brightest" in our community has provided a forceful demonstration of integrity. When his school team was given the word auditorium in a regional spelling bee, Brady Davis glanced down to ponder his response and noticed that the word was printed on the microphone stand. He called this to the attention of the judges who responded with a more difficult word. Brady did what he knew was right whether others noticed or not.

We don't know when our actions might become an example to others. But if we live each day to honor Jesus, our behavior will model His righteousness, no matter who is watching.

Idealism and enthusiasm are often best expressed by the young. But uprightness and honor should be goals for Christians of every age. Paul told his young protégé Timothy: "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12).

Brady Davis says his goal in life is to change the world around him while never compromising himself. We would do well to join him in that pursuit of life, integrity, and exemplary behavior. —David C. McCasland

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;

I would be pure, for there are those who care.

I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;

I would be brave, for there is much to dare. —Walter

A good example always makes a good sermon.