Christian living requires being a good example for others

The one that got away
January 10, 2012
Roy Ivey
January 13, 2012
The one that got away
January 10, 2012
Roy Ivey
January 13, 2012

The beloved St. Francis of Assisi once told his community, “Preach the gospel everywhere you go, and, if necessary, use words.”


We often say a picture is worth a thousand words but our example is worth a lot more than that. Anne Sophie Swetchine tells us, “There is a transcendent power in example. We reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly.”


Jesus knew the power of good example so he often modeled for his followers. At the Last Supper he washed the feet of his disciples and said, “You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

Jesus was also very strong in condemning those who gave young people bad example.


He said, “It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:2) Our actions do speak a lot louder than words.


The following poem emphasizes the value of good example. It’s entitled “When you thought I wasn’t looking.”

The author is unknown.


When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I knew that little things can be special things in life. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed that God cared for me and I learned to trust in the Almighty.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt your good night kiss and I felt loved and safe. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of the gifts we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”

As Paul told Timothy, “Give the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12) Remember the words of St. Francis, “Preach the gospel everywhere you go, and, if necessary, use words.”