Almost everyone with a younger sibling has been told to be a good example, yet we're also told not to compare ourselves to others. How do we find the right balance? How does it tie in to praying for repentance revival and God's healing touch on America? While as I wrote this wound up centered a bit more on celebrities (maybe 60%), it's for anyone. In fact at the start of the "Being Someone Who Encourages" section I list a few things private individuals especially can do to encourage others besides just prayer.
And, anyone can do something - more is mentioned in this radio show on the harvest being plentiful.
Inspiring Others
And, anyone can do something - more is mentioned in this radio show on the harvest being plentiful.
Inspiring Others
A simple definition of "role model" might be, "Someone you pattern yourself after in a certain area of life." Kids copy older siblings and parents, but people also enjoy turning to athletes, entertainers, and political leaders. It probably seems odd at first, for a public figure to hear they don't just have fans, random people see them as role models. But, public figures inspire others and people admire them, even though Charles Barkley famously said athletes shouldn't be role models. But if not, what should be done if
the people who should be role models - parents, teachers, etc. - fail? After all, role models need to live the right way, not just talk about it, and it doesn't help just saying, "don't follow us" without saying who to follow.
I'll say much more than just "Follow Jesus" - that would be way too short a post and it's been said so well in other places, like this.
Instead, I'll touch on things like what I said in another post about how other people matter. It will lead into how we should all use our abilities to encourage and inspire others in a positive way, in order to have repentance revival and God's healing touch on our country. We must get rid of the constant attacking we do nowadays - because people need lots of encouragement. We should also pray others will encourage people, too - but, we shouldn't jsut figure someone else will; we should do what we can, letting God guide us.
In some ways, it's easy to understand why certain people say they shouldn't be role models. Some have enough issues they're in need of role models even as adults. But, just like a kid who gets a lot in trouble but is still great at getting his little brother to pick up his toys (even if by seeing who can do it fastest), even someone with the roughest background can still be an encouragement.
That's what we should all strive to be. God's Word tells us to edify one another, to build each other up. We won't always feel like smiling, but God can help us through those times. However, think of those who have encouraged you in your life. They were very special to you. That is what each of us should be to others, whether a parent or teacher or just a public figure.
I'll say much more than just "Follow Jesus" - that would be way too short a post and it's been said so well in other places, like this.
Instead, I'll touch on things like what I said in another post about how other people matter. It will lead into how we should all use our abilities to encourage and inspire others in a positive way, in order to have repentance revival and God's healing touch on our country. We must get rid of the constant attacking we do nowadays - because people need lots of encouragement. We should also pray others will encourage people, too - but, we shouldn't jsut figure someone else will; we should do what we can, letting God guide us.
In some ways, it's easy to understand why certain people say they shouldn't be role models. Some have enough issues they're in need of role models even as adults. But, just like a kid who gets a lot in trouble but is still great at getting his little brother to pick up his toys (even if by seeing who can do it fastest), even someone with the roughest background can still be an encouragement.
That's what we should all strive to be. God's Word tells us to edify one another, to build each other up. We won't always feel like smiling, but God can help us through those times. However, think of those who have encouraged you in your life. They were very special to you. That is what each of us should be to others, whether a parent or teacher or just a public figure.
Inspirations of Old, and the Recipe for Revival
Well before modern media, parents and teachers already held famous people up as models of virtue. Two of the most famous are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when it comes to honesty; they taught children to follow the examples of these men and be totally honest - and, some still do. Of course, we should follow the absolute right and wrong of God and not put people on such a level that we expect perfection, no matter who it is. After all, everyone is human and we should not put a person up to God's perfect level. However, they were still great examples because of the tone they set with their honesty
When Lincoln walked miles to return a few cents he'd overcharged a customer, for instance, it didn't matter if he wasn't perfect. It was still part of his general character - he was still an inspiration as Honest Abe. One reason honesty has declined so much is because we have thrown out the notion of inspiring youth with their examples. Of course, Washington and Lincoln were human. The point was that they tried hard to always tell the truth. That reminder was imprinted on children's hearts to help them do the same. A simpified example of how this would work in real life was in a 1967 Peanuts sequence. Sally had lied in Kindergarten and only felt guilty when Charlie Brown - in response to being asked why honesty was important - shouted "George Washington." She burst into tears pledging she would never lie again. He probably didn't shout so much as the reminder was so loud in her heart. After all, she is a very well behaved girl normally and was likely just once. We don't see her lie again. In fact, in a 1978 sequence she is tempted but instead she confesses to breaking another kid's ruler and buys a new one for him. She'd learned it felt good to do the right thing.
Even if a person has a wonderful family, it is normal to look up to famous people. It can be a Washington or Lincoln, or a current star. Using the funnies again to mirror real life (and likely a real happening; the author used his family but also ideas fans sent in), a 1970s Family Circus comic showed Billy at the bathroom sink asking his mom, "How do you know Reggie Jackson brushes his teeth every night?" A child's mom had tried to get him to brush by telling him that the baseball superstar did the same. This no doubt happened in many households with different players, entertainers, etc. that kids liked. (Plus, given his wooden teeth and hygiene in his day, it wasn't possible to tell them George Washington always brushed his teeth.)
Wanting to be like someone you look up to can be good when done in the right way like that. And, it should be fun for others, too. It's a joy to encourage people.Whether kids should need reminded that someone else always tries to be 100% honest, or brushes their teeth, or whatever, doesn't matter.
Sure, it's better to look up to someone close to you. But, whether you're a relative, neighbor, or just a public figure who was kind enough to sign that kid's poster that's up in their room, to know that they're doing the right thing because of you is a wonderful feeling. It lets you realize you helped someone - or, rather, you answered God's call and He used you on His team.
Well before modern media, parents and teachers already held famous people up as models of virtue. Two of the most famous are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when it comes to honesty; they taught children to follow the examples of these men and be totally honest - and, some still do. Of course, we should follow the absolute right and wrong of God and not put people on such a level that we expect perfection, no matter who it is. After all, everyone is human and we should not put a person up to God's perfect level. However, they were still great examples because of the tone they set with their honesty
When Lincoln walked miles to return a few cents he'd overcharged a customer, for instance, it didn't matter if he wasn't perfect. It was still part of his general character - he was still an inspiration as Honest Abe. One reason honesty has declined so much is because we have thrown out the notion of inspiring youth with their examples. Of course, Washington and Lincoln were human. The point was that they tried hard to always tell the truth. That reminder was imprinted on children's hearts to help them do the same. A simpified example of how this would work in real life was in a 1967 Peanuts sequence. Sally had lied in Kindergarten and only felt guilty when Charlie Brown - in response to being asked why honesty was important - shouted "George Washington." She burst into tears pledging she would never lie again. He probably didn't shout so much as the reminder was so loud in her heart. After all, she is a very well behaved girl normally and was likely just once. We don't see her lie again. In fact, in a 1978 sequence she is tempted but instead she confesses to breaking another kid's ruler and buys a new one for him. She'd learned it felt good to do the right thing.
Even if a person has a wonderful family, it is normal to look up to famous people. It can be a Washington or Lincoln, or a current star. Using the funnies again to mirror real life (and likely a real happening; the author used his family but also ideas fans sent in), a 1970s Family Circus comic showed Billy at the bathroom sink asking his mom, "How do you know Reggie Jackson brushes his teeth every night?" A child's mom had tried to get him to brush by telling him that the baseball superstar did the same. This no doubt happened in many households with different players, entertainers, etc. that kids liked. (Plus, given his wooden teeth and hygiene in his day, it wasn't possible to tell them George Washington always brushed his teeth.)
Wanting to be like someone you look up to can be good when done in the right way like that. And, it should be fun for others, too. It's a joy to encourage people.Whether kids should need reminded that someone else always tries to be 100% honest, or brushes their teeth, or whatever, doesn't matter.
Sure, it's better to look up to someone close to you. But, whether you're a relative, neighbor, or just a public figure who was kind enough to sign that kid's poster that's up in their room, to know that they're doing the right thing because of you is a wonderful feeling. It lets you realize you helped someone - or, rather, you answered God's call and He used you on His team.
There are, of course, many complaints that some celebrities do things so
against what should be done in a civilized society. Johnny Manziel's multiple problems, the recent
situation revealed about Peyton Manning when he was in college - with an even worse cover-up, it seems - or any number of scandals involving Hollywood stars are the kinds of things that draw such negative reactions to them as role models.
However, such complaints ignore three important things. First, they ignore the fact that some kids grow up in situations where there is no good role model for many aspects of life - we need to encourage these young people to turn somewhere, not just tell them where not to turn. (And, thankfully, many athletes do give back tot heir communities in many ways, such as LeBron James.) Second, such complaints ignore the fact a role model can be held in high regard for one thing and not for another - Lincoln would be praised for his honesty, a truly great thing, but certainly not for his radio broadcasting skill, since he died way before radio was invented. Finally, they ignore the fact that this nation as a whole has these problems. The stains of sin and addiction can be seen in every walk of life; public figures are just more, well, public.
That last is why we need repentance revival in the first place. We need to pray God heals this country. That repentance should start with us and with our willingness to not only seek God's face and turn from evil, but also to be an encouragement to others. We need to edify others and help them.
Being Someone Who Encourages
We should each - famous and regular people - do our part in encouraging others. As stated, we don't have to be celebrities. People can volunteer as a coach or mentor, be a Big Brother or Big Sister, work with an online group like icouldbe.org or orphan.org, or something else that can help people to follow the right path. That is where the part comes in about other people mattering and how we can play a part even when we don't realize it. It's especially important that when a parent isn't available, another relative, a coach, teacher, or someone else who is personally close to that person should be the one they look to the most. But, it is only natural for them to seek others to emulate, too.
It also means just being a Godly individual in business and in your home life. Focusing on the positive,keeping your mind on the good things of Philippians 4:8, staying away from addictive things but instead getting your joy out of the best thigns in life, which are free, and so on. Then, quietly passing that on to others. That's where anyone can make a major difference, by remembering that others matter.
Of course, it's hard to always walk that talk because we're human. but, that's why we need God's help, as I'll discuss at the end. Who knows what problems we can stop because we intervene before the person even starts to sink into problems. After all, often people turn to addictions because they are looking for an escape to hide pain they feel over something else. But, they need to see you care and that you are living consistently with what you say.
Other Keys
However, such complaints ignore three important things. First, they ignore the fact that some kids grow up in situations where there is no good role model for many aspects of life - we need to encourage these young people to turn somewhere, not just tell them where not to turn. (And, thankfully, many athletes do give back tot heir communities in many ways, such as LeBron James.) Second, such complaints ignore the fact a role model can be held in high regard for one thing and not for another - Lincoln would be praised for his honesty, a truly great thing, but certainly not for his radio broadcasting skill, since he died way before radio was invented. Finally, they ignore the fact that this nation as a whole has these problems. The stains of sin and addiction can be seen in every walk of life; public figures are just more, well, public.
That last is why we need repentance revival in the first place. We need to pray God heals this country. That repentance should start with us and with our willingness to not only seek God's face and turn from evil, but also to be an encouragement to others. We need to edify others and help them.
Being Someone Who Encourages
We should each - famous and regular people - do our part in encouraging others. As stated, we don't have to be celebrities. People can volunteer as a coach or mentor, be a Big Brother or Big Sister, work with an online group like icouldbe.org or orphan.org, or something else that can help people to follow the right path. That is where the part comes in about other people mattering and how we can play a part even when we don't realize it. It's especially important that when a parent isn't available, another relative, a coach, teacher, or someone else who is personally close to that person should be the one they look to the most. But, it is only natural for them to seek others to emulate, too.
It also means just being a Godly individual in business and in your home life. Focusing on the positive,keeping your mind on the good things of Philippians 4:8, staying away from addictive things but instead getting your joy out of the best thigns in life, which are free, and so on. Then, quietly passing that on to others. That's where anyone can make a major difference, by remembering that others matter.
Of course, it's hard to always walk that talk because we're human. but, that's why we need God's help, as I'll discuss at the end. Who knows what problems we can stop because we intervene before the person even starts to sink into problems. After all, often people turn to addictions because they are looking for an escape to hide pain they feel over something else. But, they need to see you care and that you are living consistently with what you say.
Other Keys
Whether the person is a public or private figure, what are the keys to being one and making a difference to someone?
1. Be humble. Realize that you are not perfect, and admit it, but keep improving, trying to be the best example of Jesus Christ you can be in kindness, compassion, love for others, and so on. Never do it to glorify yourself. Do it to glorify God because He is the one who should be your role model. And, one important characteristic was that He didn't boast of Himself. So, let others be the ones to brag on you.
And, recall that whatever your talents - teaching, encouraging, performing, whatever - they were given by God for you to bless others. As 1 Cor. 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." You can bless and do secular work if it's what God calls you to do, but remember that purposeful sin won't honor God. Sure, every passion play has to have someone play Judas, but as the Philippians 4:8 post says, focus on things which are true, just, pure, lovely, etc..
1. Be humble. Realize that you are not perfect, and admit it, but keep improving, trying to be the best example of Jesus Christ you can be in kindness, compassion, love for others, and so on. Never do it to glorify yourself. Do it to glorify God because He is the one who should be your role model. And, one important characteristic was that He didn't boast of Himself. So, let others be the ones to brag on you.
And, recall that whatever your talents - teaching, encouraging, performing, whatever - they were given by God for you to bless others. As 1 Cor. 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." You can bless and do secular work if it's what God calls you to do, but remember that purposeful sin won't honor God. Sure, every passion play has to have someone play Judas, but as the Philippians 4:8 post says, focus on things which are true, just, pure, lovely, etc..
2. Be thankful for fans, others. For a celebrity, just having fans is a great honor. Don't be the type who insists that people have to know who they are, but be humble and pleasantly surprised and thankful for any fans. A person can choose to let anyone entertain them, so if they chose you, it should be a great honor, not an entitlement. (If you've fallen into the trap, God understands, simply confess and forsake it, asking Him for forgiveness and to give you a heart for others.)
But, to public and private people, being a role model is an even greater honor. It's not something you have to do - it's something you *get* to do. Joe DiMaggio, as a young ballplayer, said he always wanted to play his best because some young boy might be seeing him play for the first time. The need for such an attitude is true whether you are a performer or just a Sunday School teacher who has a regular job like plumber or factory worker or whatever.
3. Be faithful in little things, trust God to give you greater. Before David was able to slay the giant, he had to be faithful in bringing lunch to his brothers at the battlefield. For him to be trusted to do that he had to do chores around the house, like tending sheep; which is where God also gave him training by giving him a lion and a bear to fight off guarding the sheep. (I don't think it was at the same time, but if it was, wow, that must have been something to see!)
It might take time, if you mentor someone, to earn their trust. Some kids have seen so many people come and go, and they need to know you'll be in it for the long haul, that you'll keep praying for them and not abandon them when they mess up, for instance.
4. Don't become self-important. DiMaggio forgot several important lessons later in life, including humility and letting others do the bragging. In 1969, he was voted the greatest living baseball player on the 100th anniversary of the first professional team. From then till his death. he insisted that everywhere he went, he was to be introduced as the "greatest living ballplayer."
That should never be our attitude! There will always be someone better at something and someone worse at something than we are. DiMaggio let himself get way too puffed up with pride. However, it is appropriate to realize that to someone out there, our performance in and out of the public eye is important. Even if it's as simple as always brushing your teeth or keeping your cool when your car won't start just in case one of your Sunday School kids happens to ride by on his bike and see you out there.
How to avoid getting puffed up with pride? The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus. When you do, you will realize that as much as people look up to you, you are not perfect and will always have room to improve. And, He will help you keep your mind on the important things of life. That kindness toward people, being friendly and considerate and polite, giving back to the community. Be like John the Baptist, who said of Jesus, "He must increase but I must decrease." After all, Jesus died to take the punishment for each of our sins, no matter who we are. Thankfully, He rose from the dead and is always there to help us when we ask Him for it, if you've trusted Him/called on Him to save you.
But, to public and private people, being a role model is an even greater honor. It's not something you have to do - it's something you *get* to do. Joe DiMaggio, as a young ballplayer, said he always wanted to play his best because some young boy might be seeing him play for the first time. The need for such an attitude is true whether you are a performer or just a Sunday School teacher who has a regular job like plumber or factory worker or whatever.
3. Be faithful in little things, trust God to give you greater. Before David was able to slay the giant, he had to be faithful in bringing lunch to his brothers at the battlefield. For him to be trusted to do that he had to do chores around the house, like tending sheep; which is where God also gave him training by giving him a lion and a bear to fight off guarding the sheep. (I don't think it was at the same time, but if it was, wow, that must have been something to see!)
It might take time, if you mentor someone, to earn their trust. Some kids have seen so many people come and go, and they need to know you'll be in it for the long haul, that you'll keep praying for them and not abandon them when they mess up, for instance.
4. Don't become self-important. DiMaggio forgot several important lessons later in life, including humility and letting others do the bragging. In 1969, he was voted the greatest living baseball player on the 100th anniversary of the first professional team. From then till his death. he insisted that everywhere he went, he was to be introduced as the "greatest living ballplayer."
That should never be our attitude! There will always be someone better at something and someone worse at something than we are. DiMaggio let himself get way too puffed up with pride. However, it is appropriate to realize that to someone out there, our performance in and out of the public eye is important. Even if it's as simple as always brushing your teeth or keeping your cool when your car won't start just in case one of your Sunday School kids happens to ride by on his bike and see you out there.
How to avoid getting puffed up with pride? The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus. When you do, you will realize that as much as people look up to you, you are not perfect and will always have room to improve. And, He will help you keep your mind on the important things of life. That kindness toward people, being friendly and considerate and polite, giving back to the community. Be like John the Baptist, who said of Jesus, "He must increase but I must decrease." After all, Jesus died to take the punishment for each of our sins, no matter who we are. Thankfully, He rose from the dead and is always there to help us when we ask Him for it, if you've trusted Him/called on Him to save you.
It's the same lesson any good teacher, coach, parents, etc.
needs to remember. They shouldn't go around saying they are the best
and perfect because of their position. The ones who are most respected
are humble and put others first. They do that because they are modeling
that attitude in those they are responsible for.
The athlete or entertainer may not be responsible in the same way for that person who sees them perform. (Though with some kids' home lives, they may look more than normal to such a person.) They do, however, have the opportunity to be a positive influence in the world. It is an opportunity given by God because He wants to do something special in each of our lives.
5. Be involved personally, don't just talk about it. Be willing to go out of your way to talk to someone who is down or try to find them help. Some people have started addictions at a very young age, for instance, but it would have possibly only taken one person to notice them and listen to their problems and encourage them along a better path to help them and keep it from starting. (Just pray and God will direct you in how to help or bring people your way.)
The athlete or entertainer may not be responsible in the same way for that person who sees them perform. (Though with some kids' home lives, they may look more than normal to such a person.) They do, however, have the opportunity to be a positive influence in the world. It is an opportunity given by God because He wants to do something special in each of our lives.
5. Be involved personally, don't just talk about it. Be willing to go out of your way to talk to someone who is down or try to find them help. Some people have started addictions at a very young age, for instance, but it would have possibly only taken one person to notice them and listen to their problems and encourage them along a better path to help them and keep it from starting. (Just pray and God will direct you in how to help or bring people your way.)
People need to see you care, especially when they don't have a good situation . For some, it's the only way they'll see the love Jesus has for them. It'll also keep you from the temptation of letting things get out of hand if you're a celebrity. There are a number of athletes who ESPN's Outside The Lines reported have had major problems with their charities.
Even for private individuals, though, as noted before, people need to see you'll stick with your mentoring or whatever. And, don't worry if it's hard. 2 Tim.2:1, for instance, says to be strong in the Lord. That verse "be strong" is a continual action in the original Greek; it's an action from outside. We need to keep trustign the Lord to continually strengthen us. So, if you are famous and end up visiting sick kids in a hospital, for instance, you can help encourage them by being the strength they need. (And, I know quite a few readers of this already do this, and to you I say thank you and salute you.)
6. Don't Be Drawn Into Sin. I've mentioned elsewhere about the big spiritual battle we face, especially how some things are demonic or have those in them. There are also others who have felt so much pressure they sink into addictions rather than letting God handle things and just stepping back from the problems because it gets that bad. It's important if you need to say "no" so you can be better off in the long run. You may also be the person who needs to be there for someone so they don't start, as I stated.
(With Facebook, DM on Twitter, and many other things it's probably a lot easier than years ago especially for celebrities to find that help. Eitehr way, Young Hollywood, you can start things - make a pact so none of you ever gets into addictive things, demonic things, or other bad stuff, and to be dedicated to wholesomeness, with no vulgarity, dedicated to the Lord instead. He will give you strength to do it.)
There is a great need for people to stand up for what's right in the world, and that means staying away from the things in the seedier part of the world. Romans 12:2 speaks of not being conformed to this world - we shouldn't be like the world's system which ignores God and at times outright invites the devil in.
Even Hollywood has its good parts; one nephew is down there in fact and trying to start a living in it. He knows to be strong enough to avoid all the drinking and ungodly activity that might get some people something but will ultimately take them down the wrong path.
7. Stand for and live for what's right. Young people in and out of Hollywood need help and encouragement to stay away from those things and trust in the Lord to guide them in the right way, so a whole generation can see and stand for what's right and proper, staying away from vulgarity but instead doing wholesome things.
This is true outside, too - in youth sports, in any area of life. Your young people can lead, such as in this free blogged book on spiritual leadership, but they need help Some have wonderful families to help, others need mentors to help.
All, however, need encouragement.
Role Models Sparking Repentance Revival
The above, as noted, is just as true in a regular public school or anywhere, too. People need someone to lift their spirits quite often in this sin-stained world. god made this world perfect with no pain, no suffering, no heartache, etc., but sin came into the world because god gave us free choice. People chosoe sin, but thankfully, God Himself made a way to be forgiven and get to His perfect heaven. That way is through trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour from one's sins, calling on Him by faith to forgive and save you. It's all inclusive - anyone can do it, it is not dependent on our works because God doesn't want us boasting of how we got there.
It would be wonderful if every public high school had a student-led prayer and devotion club in their schools where students could come learn how much god lvoes them and how to have a relationship with Him and/or build that relationship. (If a youth would like to start one, they or an adult who wants to help them can go here - or click for the radio show here where several programs talk about it - and get help starting one. (It's the inner city ministry I've mentioned before that I've mostly copied a couple of these posts back and forth with on its blog.)
Revival must start somewhere, though. it starts with adults and young people being encouragers.
This, then, is how to find that perfect balance between the idea of role models and not comparing yourself to others. By turning to Godly people who inspire you to do more. And, by being one yourself.
Because, whoever you are, you are capable of inspiring others, of being that role model they sorely need through mentoring, friendship, whatever else. And, as a public figure, through your good conduct inside and otuside the public arena, you will have the awesome experience of having people someday say, "I'm where I am because of him/her.
Just something as little as knowing kids brush their teeth because of you is special. But, as you are able to be counted on more and more, God will give you the opportunity to really be a major influence. Maybe on jsut one person's life, but maybe - as a public figure - on a generation. Maybe on a nation.
It starts with each individual not only repenting and praying for God to revive us, but also to be role models and encouragers for others, realizing we each have a responsibility to lead.
(With Facebook, DM on Twitter, and many other things it's probably a lot easier than years ago especially for celebrities to find that help. Eitehr way, Young Hollywood, you can start things - make a pact so none of you ever gets into addictive things, demonic things, or other bad stuff, and to be dedicated to wholesomeness, with no vulgarity, dedicated to the Lord instead. He will give you strength to do it.)
There is a great need for people to stand up for what's right in the world, and that means staying away from the things in the seedier part of the world. Romans 12:2 speaks of not being conformed to this world - we shouldn't be like the world's system which ignores God and at times outright invites the devil in.
Even Hollywood has its good parts; one nephew is down there in fact and trying to start a living in it. He knows to be strong enough to avoid all the drinking and ungodly activity that might get some people something but will ultimately take them down the wrong path.
7. Stand for and live for what's right. Young people in and out of Hollywood need help and encouragement to stay away from those things and trust in the Lord to guide them in the right way, so a whole generation can see and stand for what's right and proper, staying away from vulgarity but instead doing wholesome things.
This is true outside, too - in youth sports, in any area of life. Your young people can lead, such as in this free blogged book on spiritual leadership, but they need help Some have wonderful families to help, others need mentors to help.
All, however, need encouragement.
Role Models Sparking Repentance Revival
The above, as noted, is just as true in a regular public school or anywhere, too. People need someone to lift their spirits quite often in this sin-stained world. god made this world perfect with no pain, no suffering, no heartache, etc., but sin came into the world because god gave us free choice. People chosoe sin, but thankfully, God Himself made a way to be forgiven and get to His perfect heaven. That way is through trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour from one's sins, calling on Him by faith to forgive and save you. It's all inclusive - anyone can do it, it is not dependent on our works because God doesn't want us boasting of how we got there.
It would be wonderful if every public high school had a student-led prayer and devotion club in their schools where students could come learn how much god lvoes them and how to have a relationship with Him and/or build that relationship. (If a youth would like to start one, they or an adult who wants to help them can go here - or click for the radio show here where several programs talk about it - and get help starting one. (It's the inner city ministry I've mentioned before that I've mostly copied a couple of these posts back and forth with on its blog.)
Revival must start somewhere, though. it starts with adults and young people being encouragers.
This, then, is how to find that perfect balance between the idea of role models and not comparing yourself to others. By turning to Godly people who inspire you to do more. And, by being one yourself.
Because, whoever you are, you are capable of inspiring others, of being that role model they sorely need through mentoring, friendship, whatever else. And, as a public figure, through your good conduct inside and otuside the public arena, you will have the awesome experience of having people someday say, "I'm where I am because of him/her.
Just something as little as knowing kids brush their teeth because of you is special. But, as you are able to be counted on more and more, God will give you the opportunity to really be a major influence. Maybe on jsut one person's life, but maybe - as a public figure - on a generation. Maybe on a nation.
It starts with each individual not only repenting and praying for God to revive us, but also to be role models and encouragers for others, realizing we each have a responsibility to lead.
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