Living as an Example: How Your Life Points Others to Jesus

We all have examples that shaped who we are today. Whether it was parents who taught us work ethic,  grandparents who 

showed us how to laugh, or neighbors who demonstrated practical skills, examples matter. But what about our spiritual examples?

More importantly, what kind of spiritual example are we setting for others?

What Does It Mean to Live as an Example?

According to First Peter 2:1-12, we are called to live as exiles whose lives serve as examples that point others to Jesus. This isn't just about being a "good person" - it's about demonstrating authentic spiritual transformation that draws others to Christ.

The key verse that ties this all together is First Peter 2:12: "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, 

they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

In other words, people are watching. They want to know if we actually live out what we claim to believe.

What Behaviors Should We Put Away?

Peter gives us a clear list of behaviors that undermine our witness. He tells us to "put away" these things like taking off dirty clothes after a hard day's work:

Malice

This is a deep desire to harm others - wickedness, corruption, and a hateful heart. It's the opposite of the love Christ calls us to show.

Deceit

This isn't just general lying, but specifically misleading others for personal gain. It's intentional manipulation to get what we want.

Hypocrisy

This is "play acting" - pretending to be righteous, loving, and pure when we're not. People can see through this facade.

Envy

This goes beyond jealousy to resentful discontent toward others' success or possessions. It shows in how we treat people and talk about them.

Slander

This involves malicious speech designed to damage someone's reputation through false statements.

Notice that all these behaviors have external effects - they're not just internal struggles. Others can observe these things in our lives, which is why they damage our witness.

How Do We Grow Spiritually?

Peter uses the analogyof newborn babies craving milk. Just as babies need milk to 

grow physically, we need spiritual food to grow in our faith. That spiritual food is God's Word. But this isn't about surface-level knowledge. Many Christians know the basics - like knowing how to drive a car without understanding how 

the engine works. Peter calls us to develop a deeper appetite for God's Word, going beyond the surface to understand the deeper things of God.

What Role Does the Church Play?

We're not just individual examples we're part of a larger spiritual house. Peter describes believers as "living stones" being built up into a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone.

What the Church Is NOT:

•        A social project

•        A special club

•        A community gathering

•        Entertainment

•        A self-help program

•        A nice building

What the Church IS:

•        Supernatural

•        A family that loves and supports one another

•        Diverse and open to anyone

•        Serving a greater purpose

•        A hospital for the spiritually sick

•        A growing, moving, spiritually alive organism

•        Distinct, loving, and unified

The church serves as a collective example to the world through our unity, love for one another, and care for those in need.

How Can We Be Examples This Week?

Stay Connected to God's Word

Move beyond surface-level Christianity. Find a Bible study, use a Bible app with devotionals, or join a group that will take you deeper into God's truth.

Demonstrate Love in Practical Ways

Show love through how you treat people and interact with others. This could be as simple as paying for someone's meal behind you in line or showing kindness to a stranger.

Show Faith During Difficult Times

People watch how we handle challenges - marriage problems, work stress, health issues. These moments are opportunities to demonstrate how faith makes a difference in real life.

Make Godly Choices

While we'll never be perfect, our daily choices and how we live can have a significant impact on those around us.

Life Application

This week, look for specific opportunities to be a living example that points others to Jesus. Remember that people are watching - not to judge, but to see if what we claim to believe actually makes a difference in how we live.

Consider these questions as you go through your week:

What behaviors from Peter's list (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander) do I need to "put away" in my own life?

How can I develop a deeper appetite for God's Word beyond just surface-level knowledge?

In what specific situations this week might others be watching how I respond as a follower of Jesus?

How can I demonstrate love, unity, and care in ways that reflect well on Christ and His church?

Your life is a sermon that others are reading every day. Make sure it's pointing them toward the hope, love, and transformation found in Jesus Christ.