The Power of Example: You Are Always Influencing Someone
Key Scripture:
“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1
Introduction: Leadership Is Caught, Not Just Taught
Leadership in the Kingdom isn’t just about what you say—it’s about what others see in you. Before people follow your message, they follow your model. Your actions echo louder than your anointing.
Jesus didn’t just preach the Kingdom—He embodied it. His life was His loudest sermon. In the same way, every believer is a leader through influence. The question isn’t “Am I influencing?” It’s “What kind of influence am I having?”
Why Example Matters in Leadership
- People Copy What They See, Not Just What They Hear: Parents know this well—children imitate what they observe. Likewise, leaders don’t create followers by instruction alone but by demonstration.
- Credibility Comes from Consistency: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds…” — Matthew 5:16. You don’t need a platform to make an impact. You need consistency. Your co-workers, family, and friends are watching—integrity over time builds trust.
- Your Private Life Impacts Your Public Fruit: The effectiveness of your leadership starts behind closed doors. If you want to lead others in prayer, worship, humility, or boldness, it must first be real in you.
Jesus: Our Ultimate Example
- He touched the untouchable (Mark 1:41)
- He forgave those who failed Him (John 21:15–17)
- He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13)
- He prayed for His enemies (Luke 23:34)
Jesus modeled servant-hearted, Spirit-led, and truth-grounded leadership.
Paul: “Follow Me as I Follow Christ”
Paul boldly invited others to imitate him because he imitated Christ. Not perfection—but progress, humility, and transformation.
Can others safely follow your life and get closer to Christ?
Practical Applications
Areas to Set an Example
🗣 Speech Speak truth in love. Avoid gossip, complaints, and coarse humor.
🧍 Conduct Act with integrity—even when no one is watching.
❤️ Love Forgive quickly. Serve sincerely. Include outsiders.
🙏 Faith Believe boldly. Pray consistently. Step out when it’s hard.
🤍 Purity Guard your thoughts. Uphold moral boundaries. Honour your body and others.
Challenge: “Mirror Test” & Peer Reflection
1. Mirror Test:
Each day this week, ask: What will someone learn about Christ by watching me today?
2. Peer Reflection:
Ask a trusted family member, friend or mentor:
“What do you think I’m teaching people through my life?”
Conclusion:
You are someone’s example—make it a Christlike one. Before people follow your message, they follow your model. Jesus didn’t say, ‘Tell them everything.’ He said, ‘Follow Me.
Your life is a sermon. Preach wisely.
Influence isn’t optional. Responsibility is.
Reflective Discussion Prompts: What Is My Life Teaching Others?
• If someone adopted my prayer life, would they grow?
• If someone followed my media habits, would it bless or burden them?
• If someone copied my relationships, would they experience peace or drama?
You are a living curriculum. What’s in your syllabus?
Share your reflections with us here.
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