“These things happened . . as examples.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV
“The experiences and examples of others are valuable means of learning.”
My thoughts today are about “examples.”
The Bible records life as it is so we can learn how it could be. Someone has said, “I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” See 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NKJV. God tells the stories of men and women as they were, not as we wish they had been. Probably so we can more readily identify with them. Abraham has remarkable faith but battles with fear at other times. Elijah confronts false prophets but flees from an angry queen. Peter confesses his allegiance unto death, and then denies ever having known Jesus.
We see both the spiritual heroism and the common humanity of their earthly journey, and are shown how God works in and through both. Their examples are both guidelines and guardrails for your own journey – guiding your steps on the right paths and guarding you from wrong ones. A good example is a powerful thing. “These things happened to them as examples, and were written down as warnings for us.” 1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV. A good example is better than a great explanation; the experiences and examples of others are valuable means of learning. From others’ examples, you can learn what to do; from experiences, you may learn what to avoid.
My life is and ministry is indelibly influenced by my Dad, as well as others. His example of personal faith and practical wisdom still shape so much of who I am, what I do, and what I believe and teach – all the product of what I learned in our conversations and saw from his Godly example. God uses the real lives of others, then and now, to teach, encourage, and warn us.
You can learn from their accomplishments, as well as their mistakes. Some lessons are more safely learned second hand from others. God doesn’t waste the lessons others have learned, often the hard way, and neither should you; benefit from the experiences of others. Be diligent to observe and learn; you’ll be better and wiser for it. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NKJV.
God wants you to live wisely. Everything in Scripture is written for the benefit of your study and application. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true . . It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right . . God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT. Biblical examples are given for your instruction now and to encourage your confident hope. You can learn the truth about God and life, and be strengthened to persevere when things are difficult.
God’s goal is for His truth to become a living, practical part of your everyday life. The question is whether truth is woven into your everyday life. You can readily identify with the stories of others’ experiences, good or bad, and be inspired by examples of courage and steadfastness. Biographies can impact you in powerful, profitable ways.
My prayer for you today is that your example inspires others to know God better.