My previous message was on the power of choices and how society has relinquished this God-given gift in favour of blindly following the masses. Following on the heels of this topic, comes the issue of role models.
We have the power to choose whom we would have as our role models. Usually these are people in whom we see certain desirable traits. These could be a combination of physical, mental or spiritual traits in a person that are cause for admiration.
However, we should remember that anything or anyone that takes the place of God in our lives is an idol. Idolatry is a grievous sin which was severely punished in the days of the Israelites as described in numerous instances in the Old Testament.
How ironical it is today, that we have TV shows called “Idols” that are fawned over by millions and famous actors in America are referred to as “idols.” People are so blinded by the devil and his temptations that not even the blatant label of “idol” screams danger to them anymore.
This trend is more pronounced among the youth of today. It is not uncommon to find young girls with myriads of pictures of topless men on their school stationery and parents spend loads of cash on expensive clothing for their toddlers featuring the latest so-called “superheroes.” Intelligent people, who work hard to earn their living, recklessly spend their cash on magazines and tabloids featuring the latest happenings in Hollywood. It is so sad that these people spend their lives studying the rich and famous, but those stars in Hollywood don’t even realize their adoring fans exist! All they care about is how much money they are making at the box office.
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul says in verse 1: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Hence, we should not choose just anyone to be a role model to us. Our looking up to someone should always be conditional on that person following Christ. In fact, this method is not infallible either as there are many false teachers gone out into the world to deceive many (1 John 4:1). Our Lord Himself prophesied that this would be the case as we grow nearer to the time of His return (Matt 24:5). Also, it is just as dangerous, if not more, when a servant of God is revered to the extent that he or she is “idolized” and church members cannot do without that person. This is a very unhealthy position to place yourself in, as only God should be revered to that extent. Christians must remember that spiritual gifts are given by God to each one of us so that we may work for Him; they are not reserved for a select few, because we can do all things through Christ who empowers and strengthens us (Phil 4:13).
To those seeking a role model, the best one to follow would be Jesus Christ Himself. Follow in His footsteps for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life! (John 14:6)
"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."- Matt 24:4-5
Scripture refs: 1 Cor 11:1, 1 Cor 4:15-16, Matt 24:5
