Keep the Spirit - from the best gift ever- going to prosper

It has become almost a cliche to say that we must remember the reason for the season. As this world focuses so much on getting, it makes sense that we would say giving is more important, to the point where we ignore calls to remember what God gave to us. They are drowned out.

So, instead I want to encourage people to pray - which makes sense because that is the title of this blog - for true change in our hearts.

After all, simply remembering the reason for the season during the season doesn't help us after the season. Nor does it help us do anything about it. Sure, I can ask people what they're most anxious to give or what they enjoyed giving the most. That helps a little. But, truly acting on the reason for the season means being  Christ-like long after the season.

Treating others with compassion

One big thing Christmas shows us is how to care about others. Whether it is volunteering to help the poor or just putting something in a Salvation Army kettle, if it is visiting an elderly neighbor or just sharing gifts with your family, there are many things we do at Christmas because there is a spirit of giving. However, these are things we should be doing all year round  if there is truly a spirit of giving in us.

As one example, standing against bullying is a sign of Christmas cheer. Putting an end to taunting and calling others names is something we can do to help. It also goes along with New Year's resolutions if one does these things. However, we can resolve to do better at any time. Christmas and New Year's just happen around the first of the year so it is a logical transition in people's minds.

This is what repentance is - turning from our own fleshly ways and turning our hearts to God's way. We as human beings often struggle with our fleshly nature.

Oh, some people are naturally more compassionate. Some people are naturally sweet and considerate and caring toward others, though even that has to be taught to some extent. They find it easy to follow those models of empathy and kindness, though.

Our culture likes to talk about a general spirit of Christmas causing this. However, we don't truly have the spirit of Christmas unless we have the Spirit living in us that we can because of Christmas.

That is because if we try on our own we might succeed sometimes but we will be doing it for ourselves or for others, rather than to honor the God who gave us that gift.

Think about it. It makes sense. Even if you think Christmas should be more about getting those presents, you need to be thankful for the present. Because, a person chose to give it to you out of kindness.

We don't earn presents; they wouldn't be presents if we did. They would be wages. A gift is something you don't learn - it is given out of the kindness of one's heart.

Just like the kindness of God's heart that gave us Christmas.

Receive the Best Gift Ever

The gift that keeps on giving. It can be used over and over. It changes your life for the better.

These and more describe what would be the perfect Christmas gift as a worldly thing, it would be something different for each person.

God provided us with one gift, however, which is even better. It is so special we need to not only receive it but tell everyone about it. Because it can be received any time, not just at Christmas. It matches all of those above sayings and then some, as it is the best gift ever.

We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. But, it was while we were still sinners at odds with God that H e chose to come to this world as a baby. Not as a rich King somewhere, not even as a prince in a palace, but as a humble baby in a lowly stable.

We all hear the stories, we love that part of it. But, do you have head knowledge or heart knowledge of Jesus?

A good question to ask others - and yourself - is this. If you were to stand before God and He were to ask "why should I let you into My perfect Heaven," what would you say?

We can only rely on what Jesus did to get us there. You need to have heart knowledge because head knowledge doesn't help. It is like knowing a chair will hold you and standing next to it, claiming all the time that you can sit in it and it will hold you up but never sitting in it.

That faith is as easy as ABC. Admit you are a sinner, that you aren't perfect so don't deserve to be in God's perfect Heaven. Believe that Jesus died on the cross to take the penalty for your sins and rose from the dead. And, Call on him to save you from your sins.

You can pray a simple prayer like this, or lead someone in it. The words are not what saves, what's saves is when you put your whole faith in Jesus to save you. Talk to God and tell Him something like this.

"Lord Jesus, I know I'm a sinner. I know I can't reach your perfect heaven on my own. But I know you died to take the punishment for my sins. And, you rose from the dead. Lord Jesus, I pray trusting you to forgive me and make me new inside and save me from my sins. Lord Jesus, I trust you with all my heart and call on you to come live in me. In Jesus name, amen."

Once you have made that decision, of course, it is a matter of trusting the Lord to help you daily. He will be a constant guide, comforter, helper, friend, and so much more.

That's because it is a relationship with God that is the real gift of Christmas. He wants to guide and direct you through life.

Overcoming obstacles because Jesus knows all about them

We all face so much stress in our lives. We need God's love to get us through. Thankfully, that special gift of God coming to Earth is the key to that.

Remember, this means that Jesus knew what it was like to have homework, to go through the struggles of growing up, to have all sorts of different situations in His life. No, He didn't have video games or other modern things, but Jesus did have different things that could have distracted Him.

That is the key. He had those things in His life. And yet He never sinned. Jesus never had a sinful action, word, or thought. That is how He could be the substitution for our sin.

That also means that He can be our guide when it comes to life's problems. He is the wisdom that we need and with Him living in us through the Holy Spirit, we have access to that. And, if we do sin because of our fleshly nature, He is always there to forgive us.

I work with some inner-city youth. It is very hard for some of them to understand how He can help. One girl in particular has been bullied and realizes it is a spiritual battle to keep from retaliating, but it is hard for her to recognize God's power in her to rejoice and to let God be the strength she needs to get through things. Please pray for her, that she will learn to pray consistently and that she will start to grow in the Lord. She struggles also with pouting when she doesn't get her way, she is working on that but doesn't realize yet just how much power God can give her to overcome that.

There are also a couple boys who struggle with name calling because they don't realize it hurts her even so they talked about how it hurts. Please pray for them to stop bullying also and to behave better in general because they have many problems that have erupted over the last half year or so for some reason. It may be as simple as a spiritual battle but I don't know. Pray for that whole family, please.

 The whole ministry needs prayer in fact, so please pray as the Lord leads you about whatever situations may erupt.

These are the kind of things we need to talk to God about. When we don't, God knows the needs but we act as if we can handle them ourselves.

"Sure, Jesus could handle them when He was a kid," you might say. "But He is God." And, that's true. But when you know Him, He lives in you and you can turn to him for anything. From the biggest to the smallest.

That is what our country needs. For everyone to turn to God for help, because He is an ever-present help in time of need. That's why it's so important to know Him here, not just to be saved from sin but to be guided through this life filled with people who do not know Him.

Sharing his love so others can know

We share Christ's love so others can know Him and have Him living in them. We do it through our words but also our actions, by helping others and being Godly examples. Then, when people see how different we are they will realize there is something to what we say.

In other words, we aren't just saying it, we believe it and show it by living it.

That is showing the spirit of Christmas all year long. That is what this country needs. It is a relationship. It is not religion because religion is all about me and trying to reach up to God. However, none of those work. God had to reach down to our level and we just have to trust and call on Him.

Be part of the solution by dedicating yourself to the Lord. You can share something like this which can be freely printed out and used to lead others, or this where you can talk to volunteers about growing in your faith. you can get little pieces of paper known as tracks from Child evangelism Fellowship or the American tract Society or like the four spiritual laws to give people and use yourself. Posts in this blog cover numerous subjects such as the end of times and avoiding deception, God's justice being better than man's, overcoming obstacles, ending oppression, having victory over things, and much more.

 So, as one of them says, be the role model that many people need. So many need someone to look up to, and while Jesus is the one they should be, they need someone here on Earth to be that example so they can see how it is time.  you may be the only example of Jesus Christ they have ever seen. Don't shirk that responsibility. Many people need someone just like you. People need you to be christ-like and share the gospel.

Trust the Lord to raise up Godly people, be willing to let Him use you

A good beginning for this post - given its timing - would be what was stated in the post on being a role model. Or, perhaps on teaching others to overcome difficulties or forgiveness - after all, all these things, firmly standing for the right things, and numerous other posts in this blog all relate to Father's Day.

Instead - yes, I know this sounds silly - but, here's a question about dictionaries. If you had a choice between a perfect definition and something people made up, which would you choose?

Hopefully, the perfect one, otherwise you could pick up a pile of mud and leaves and define it as whatever your favorite meal is. Or, you could define a random squirrel as a nation's capital. The first one would taste bad, and the second could lead to jokes concerning nuts that are in bad taste - and are likely pretty old, anyway. The point is that neither definition makes any sense.

We do the same with the word "father" for various reasons when we use only human definitions - false pride, selfishness, and so on. This is why God's definition of a loving, personal man who always gives of himself is vital - after all, God is personal and desires a relationship with us. It is also why the focus here will be how anyone can fill that role, just like Mordecai raising Esther. This doesn't mean the way the world says it - because the world only focuses on the physical - but the tenderhearted, unconditional love God has for us, whereby we call Him "Abba" - that word really means "Daddy," not just "Father." This is a term of great tenderness and trust, the way a small child should see a father.

Of course, as noted before, the devil counterfeits everything God makes. We need to help others overcome and become more resilient, be role models, etc., as the above links said. This post links several former posts ideas together with some other things to help show how we can pray for - and sow seeds of - repentance revival.

Humbling Oneself to Take the Spiritual Lead

God's Word recognizes that. Take 2 Timothy 2:1 or any other verse which speaks of being strong in the Lord, or the call to stand in Ephesians 6:11-13 before the full armor of God is discussed showing us how to fight the battle. The verbs for being strong, standings, etc. imply a continual action from outside. It's a continual action of letting the Lord strengthen us, or help us to stand (through the full armor of God) so we can stand in that evil day and, having done all, to stand.

 As I note in my free blogbook for all, the story of the Shunemmite woman lays the groundwork for how anyone, even a child, can be a spiritual leader when nobody else is willing. It requires that the person be a Godly example as she was and not follow the ways of the world. It's very easy for a person to be drawn away when their minds and hearts are not focused on Jesus.

That's why it's vital that any leader be humble and let God be the one to guide through His Holy Spirit. I'm not going as far as I've heard some preachers go - they say that people were never meant to marry (and thus conceive) apart from being born again believers in Jesus Christ who are led by Him to be Christlike individuals. Books could be filled on debate about what the alternatives would be and how God might or might not use such institutions for His purposes. Not only that, but we are all sinners in need of a Saviouir.  We must rely on Him to have the strength to overcome our weaknesses, and on others to help us to do so, because He uses otehrs to help us.

That is how the devil has counterfeited fatherhood and families in general over the years. There have been ideas such as a refusal to admit one's wrongs and apologize to an insistence on phsyical toughness to many other things that have nothing to do with Godlness as it shows in the Bible.

Indeed, Biblical manhood has nothing to do with toughness - men are called to be tender, affectionate with their words and actions, and so on. Look at how Paul spoke of the way he nursed the Thessalonian church.(1 Thess.2:7-12)

For there to be a Revival in America or anywhere, we need leaders. God's Word clearly says that His people can pray, call on him, turn from their wicked ways, etc.. So, it doesn't take a ruler to do so. A couple of businessmen in 1857 devoted to prayer begin a Revival in New York City. They simply met and prayed at lunch each day, and brought more and more in to join them. These prayer meetings and the subsequent turning away from sin and adopting honest, fair, etc. business practices and honoring God in all they did spread from New York to Chicago and elsewhere.

However, we do need people to step up and lead like these men did. They don't lead because they are rulers, they lead because they are following Godly principles and encourage the people to follow Christ like they do.

This, then, is what we must Honor on Father's Day, not the fact that a person has a title, but the fact that a person leads with Godly character and the unconditional love, compassion, and so on that Christ exemplifies. 

Remember that Jesus Christ is God in flesh.(That is what Sonshi means, not physical relations.) In the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. And, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.(John 1:1,14) Jesus Christ is God in flesh, so we must use His example as to how to live our lives. Yes, He took bold stands against sin, but He also loved the sinner.

This is why it is possible to say that anyone can provide that kind of Godly leadership, the kind a father should. Some people will struggle because they lack certain things. Some might not have learned how to provide for others or remain committed to something or show that love, but that is why God provided the comforter, the Holy Spirit, to every believer, so He can teach them. That just means relying on Him to do so.

An example to us

 

A perfect example is my great-grandfather. He spoke in glowing terms about his mother all the time, but never mentioned his father once. My great uncle says that even if you got him to where he would spout off about everything he wouldn't mention anything about his dad. His dad died in an accident, and it was sad for him in his late teens, but his mother died in a much worse accident, a house two years earlier, yet while he never shared about that accident he would about what she was like before then.

The family figures that my great-grandfather's dad was either never there or not very nice. My great-grandpa never learned how to be a loving, caring father who children always talked about how wonderful he was and looked up to him so consistently. And yet, he was that way as a father himself, a wonderful, gentle, loving man who his children, my grandma and her siblings, would often talk about so lovingly.

There are a few other things that point to his having trusted Christ as his Savior during a Billy Sunday Revival in 1912. I won't get into those, but suffice it to say that the man was changed on the inside at some point in his late teens, he learned to do things as he had not learned how to do otherwise because he did not have the example to show him.

Letting God show us how

This example is one of many which could be used to demonstrate the fact that God can and will teach us how to be the loving, caring people we should once we trust Him. The Holy Spirit works in people to change their hearts and help them to be more like Jesus.

This, therefore, means that we must trust him too guide us in the things that we have lacked for so long. Not only for the last 40 years, but the last 400, as I have often said in this blog.

 We must trust the Lord to heal this land by raising up leaders, but they must be the right kind; those who will be kind, loving, caring, etc., but will not wilt in the face of pressure.  person can certainly be emotional (like John Knox, founder of the Presbyterian church, when he punished his children), the key to strength Biblically is going through with it even when it is emotional. Some thigns can be difficult, but that goes back to the fact being strong in the Lord means a continual strengthening from outside.

leaders must be committed to what they do - that's why it's vital that a leader be able to show he or she cares in everything they say and do. It's why leadership is about showing that other people matter, as has been noted numerous times here, such as in this post. It's a joy, not a a burden, to be able to make a difference in the world.

Much of the problem we have in this lack of leadership is that we look at things the wrong way. We always have - we're imperfect people, and as sinners, we all need God's help to guide us in the right direction. Some, like I was, always try to behave well and the main problem is not realizing the problems that thought life can cause; that's what got me saved was realizing that even my thought life caused me to fall short of the glory of God, and I also didn't always do or say what was right. For others, it's a rebellious nature that they must trust the Lord to bring under control.

Whatever the problem is, we know this. We know God is a loving, personal God who gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who was God in flesh. He just chose to manifest Himself this way because it was easiest for us to understand, God gave that gave for a reason, Jesus came for a purpose. That purpose was to willingly suffer and die for each of us, taking on the sins of the whole world. Then, He rose from the dead, having triumphed over sin and death. Talk about a great task and greater victory! All one must do to have a personal relationship with Him is call on Him to save them from the punishment for their sins and forgive them and make them new inside. Because, He took the punishment we all deserve for our sins. You can see more abut this, and talk to someone to grow spiritually, here.

I noted before in this post that many people - through the Internet - have a desire to be connected, yet also seems to hide behind computer screens, perhaps because tehre is so much pressure in today's world. A relationship with God can give us the peace we need to make it in this world, so we don't just play video games or get online all the time. Each of us can step out and lead, sharing our faith in Christ and being able to withstand all that comes our way.

We need to be able to admit we make mistakes, but strive not to make them. Be blameless, as one of those verses in 1 Thessalonians says which I mentioned. That doesn't mean sinless, it means not being involved in eveil so if someone accuses you, people will know it's false because you wouldn't do whatever it is. Of course, that also means getting rid of sin in your life, such as addictions. Reformers Unanimous is a great group which offers help in a Christlike way for those; there are chapters in many churches.

It also means taking the lead in prayer, spending time with others, and so on even if you don't feel like it; I loved what one youth group girl said about how she felt really sick just before her group was to lead worship this Sunday. "I feel sick. Let's do this." She was determined not to let something little get in the way of serving the Lord - and, of course, serving others, too, but with the ultimate goal being to glorify God.

That should be our attitude, too;not only for our families, but for anyone who needs that role model, that encoruagement, whatever they need. This world provides lots of discouragement, we need to go out and build others up, not tear them down.

On Role Models, and Why Encouragers Are Needed for RevivalEncouragers)

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

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.

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.

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

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..

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.

     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.)

     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.