Having positive role models to look up to is an important part of spiritual and personal development. The Bible has a lot to say about choosing role models wisely and learning from those who set a godly example. Here is an overview of the biblical perspective on finding good role models and why it matters.
Seek Out Faith-Filled Examples to Follow
The Bible encourages us to look to others of strong faith as examples to follow. Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Having positive role models helps us see what living out our faith looks like in real life. Their example can inspire us to pursue godliness and spiritual maturity.
In Philippians 3:17, Paul urges, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Paul was confident in pointing people to himself and other church leaders as examples to imitate because he knew they were pursuing Christ wholeheartedly. We should seek out role models who are worthy of being imitated in this way.
First Thessalonians 1:6-7 praises the Thessalonian church for becoming “imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” This illustrates how modelling our lives after strong believers can lead us to then become examples ourselves.
Learn from Biblical Figures
In addition to godly people directly around us, we can look to key figures in the Bible as role models. Paul told Timothy, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (2 Timothy 3:14). Timothy learned the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother who faithfully taught him from a young age (2 Timothy 1:5). Their example shaped him into a mature leader.
The author of Hebrews pointed to those like Abraham, Moses, Rahab and others as people of faith to learn from (Hebrews 11). Their remarkable stories give us glimpses of what it means to trust in God’s promises, endure suffering, conquer fear and obey God even when it doesn’t make sense. We can learn key spiritual lessons from biblical figures who inspire us in our own walk with God.
Avoid Role Models Who Will Lead Us Astray
While positive role models help steer us down the right path, negative ones can easily lead us down the wrong one. Proverbs 1:10 warns us, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” Spending too much time with unwise people who scorn God’s ways will inevitably influence us in the wrong direction.
We see this play out in Rehoboam’s life. When he became king after Solomon, he rejected the wise counsel of his father’s older advisors and instead “forsook the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him” (1 Kings 12:8). These young peers gave him foolish advice that led the kingdom into disaster. Rehoboam’s choice of role models shaped him for the worse.
Even those with strong faith can falter if their fellow leaders lead them astray, as Peter did when he gave into fear and stopped eating with Gentile believers. Paul confronts him saying, “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned…and the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him” (Galatians 2:11, 13). Peter led others into this hypocrisy by his poor example. We must carefully choose who we follow.
Role Models Help Set a Course for Our Lives
Who we look to as examples impacts the trajectory of our lives. As Proverbs 13:20 states, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Just being around wise believers causes some of that wisdom to rub off on us. At the same time, spending time with unwise people pulls us toward foolishness and harm.
First Corinthians 15:33 offers this warning, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'” Peer pressure is real, even for adults. Running with the wrong crowd will warp our perspective of right and wrong. Our thinking gradually drifts to align more with that of close friends and role models. Choosing our influencers carefully is critical.
Psalm 1 juxtaposes the path of the righteous who reject ungodly counsel and companions with the path of the wicked. Our lives follow the progression of those we walk beside. The friends we share life with shape who we become in profound ways. Their priorities become ours. Choosing godly role models is one key to staying on the right path.
Role Models Help Us See God More Clearly
Godly role models don’t just provide practical examples to follow; they give us glimpses of God’s character. Paul told the Corinthian church to imitate him as he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). As we see Christlikeness fleshed out in others, it instructs us in following Jesus.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:14, Paul commends believers who became imitators of the churches in Judea. Those persecuted churches modeled endurance and joy in the face of hardship. Through their faithful witness, the Thessalonian church better grasped God’s compassion and saving power.
Ephesians 5:1-2 exhorts us, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Imitating the love of Jesus is a core part of following Him. Role models teach us what this sacrificial love looks like when lived out.
Role Models Encourage Us to Keep Fighting
Seeing fellow Christians model endurance and maturity in Christ motivates us to keep running our own race of faith. Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses,” saints whose stories of perseverance inspire us onward. Their godly examples push us to lay aside sin and fix our eyes on Jesus.
Paul uses an athletics metaphor to make this point in 1 Corinthians 9:24, saying, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” Role models out ahead of us in the faith provide a glimpse of the reward waiting at the end to motivate us forward.
In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul reflects, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His example of godly perseverance, even through great suffering, encourages us to continue strong in our own faith journeys. Keeping our eyes fixed on mature believers inspires us to finish strong as well.
Role Models Remind Us What’s Most Important
Godly role models live their lives oriented around eternal priorities. They remind us to number our days rightly and invest in things of eternal value versus just chasing earthly rewards (Psalm 90:12). Walking closely with mature believers helps us gain greater perspective on what matters most.
Paul said in Philippians 3:17, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” To imitate Paul meant embracing willingness to suffer for the sake of knowing Christ above all else (Philippians 3:8). His example pointed others toward pursuing Christ above all.
In a world full of distractions and false priorities, godly role models steer our eyes back to the eternal. Their lives reflect the value God places on His kingdom versus the fleeting things of this world. Following their lead keeps us focused on the supreme worth of knowing and serving God.
How to Select God-Honoring Role Models
Seeking out people who model wisdom, character and maturity in Christ is critical. As believers, how can we identify role models who point us toward godliness versus worldliness? Here are some factors to look for:
- Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Mature faith produces Christlike virtues.
- Is this person invested in spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, fellowship and service? These habits reveal their devotion to God.
- Do they prioritize their relationship with Christ and live for God’s kingdom? Or are they absorbed in worldly passions and pursuits?
- Does their life back up their talk? Hypocrisy is a sign of poor role modeling, while integrity signals maturity.
- Do they take moral and ethical stands based on God’s truth versus compromising with the culture’s shifting values?
- Are they invested in helping others draw near to Christ in word and action? True faith overflows into service.
Asking these types of questions helps discern if someone would be a role model pointing us toward living all out for Jesus or not. We flourish when we surround ourselves with those who inspire us to follow hard after God.
Cultivating Community with Godly Role Models
Once we identify spiritually mature Christians to learn from, how can we cultivate community with them? Here are some ideas:
- Join a small group Bible study or fellowship group led by mature believers you respect.
- Serve alongside them in ministry contexts like outreach events or discipleship training.
- Meet regularly for coffee or meals to discuss spiritual matters and share encouragement.
- Ask about mentoring relationships where they can share wisdom through an ongoing friendship.
- Send notes or emails sharing how their example has blessed and inspired you.
- Study the Bible, pray or worship together to spur each other toward deeper devotion to Christ.
Pursuing intentional friendships with those ahead of us in the faith fleshes out the “one another” commands of the New Testament. Their godly influence benefits us while our eager encouragement blesses them as well.
Becoming Role Models for Others
As we grow in godly character and spiritual maturity, we should prayerfully consider how to become role models ourselves.Younger believers need faithful examples to emulate, just as we looked to those ahead of us starting out. Our progress in sanctification equips us to come alongside others.
Sharing your spiritual journey provides an invaluable model for those just beginning. Your life lessons through trials, temptations, mountaintop celebrations and valley wanderings tell a story of God’s faithfulness. The unique ways you have experienced God’s love, grace and presence reflect His multifaceted nature.
We all have something valuable to offer as role models when it comes to walking with Christ. Whether through one-on-one mentorship or small groups, look for ways to use your spiritual maturity to bless younger believers. Our lives preach powerful sermons about God’s work in the world.
The Bible Encourages Role Models at Every Stage
God’s Word highlights the importance of godly examples for believers of all ages and maturity levels. Younger Christians should seek out older, wiser role models to learn from. But even church elders and leaders should look to examples of enduring faith.
For instance, Peter exhorts fellow elders to be “examples to the flock” as shepherds caring for God’s people (1 Peter 5:3). Yet the chapter before, he pointed to prophets like Isaiah as role models of suffering and patience (1 Peter 4:12-14). We need both mentors to look up to and mentees to raise up throughout life. There is no stage at which we cannot learn from godly examples.
Intergenerational friendships offer unique opportunities for role modeling. When younger and older Christians fellowship, each blesses the other. The joy, energy and idealism of youth infuses hope in mature believers. The wisdom, experience and perspective of elders stabilizes emerging generations. God designed role modeling to flow both directions.
Role Models Help Us Reflect Christ to Others
As Christians, our highest calling is to follow Jesus’ example and reflect His love to the world. Our role models should orient us toward imitating and making known Christ above all else. His character, not just their own, is what we must portray.
Paul told believers, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He knew they must look past him to truly behold their Savior. Similarly, he reminded the Philippian church to follow his example and “keep your eyes on Jesus” (Philippians 3:17, 2:5). Our role models are but sign posts directing us to focus on Christ.
When others observe us, they should get a glimpse of what Jesus is like. God’s plan in shaping us through other believers is that we might “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Imitating godly examples allows Christ’s light to shine through us.
The Ultimate Role Model
While godly mentors powerfully direct our spiritual formation, Jesus alone is the perfect model worth following. He embodied complete obedience to the Father and laid down His life to save us. Keeping our eyes fixed on Him brings true transformation.
We must look beyond human role models, as Paul did not want believers to focus on him above Christ (1 Corinthians 3:4-9). Even the best biblical heroes and church leaders were but a dim reflection of the sinless Savior. None except Jesus is worthy of absolute loyalty and devotion.
As Hebrews 12:2 reminds us, Christ alone is the “founder and perfecter of our faith.” The One who began a good work in us will carry that work on to completion as we keep in step with Him. Through the Spirit, He molds us into His image as we yield ourselves fully to Him. Our calling is to follow hard after Jesus all our days, the only flawless model for life and godliness.