Be The Template We All Need
"God has given you a group of believers to take care of them...show them how to live in a good way, so that they can copy you." 1 Peter 5:3 EASY
It's fascinating how at a very tender age, my daughter already models my behaviours, gestures and reactions, without directly telling her what to do or not do. It's also interesting to see how I am, in many ways, like my parents.
This is why it's important to be the change before trying to make someone change. There are many messages we pass across without using words.
How do you tell your child to be happy when you're always sad?
How do you caution your team about being excellent when you don't know what it means?
How do you sympathise with a friend who lost a loved one if you've never had such an experience?
We go through many things in life and wonder why we need such experiences. But all God is trying to do is create templates that others can follow, relate with and copy to make the right decisions.
The struggle you face at work will come in handy when you overcome it and see a colleague going through the same thing. The temptations you engaged in and repented of will be the story you'll share while hanging out with your closest friends.
The smooth ride you experienced through life can be the source of hope and light that someone needs to see what's possible. The access you enjoy can be the key to another person's breakthrough.
Sometimes people will take the template you provide and fill it up in ways influenced by their backgrounds, character, values, etc. That's beyond your control. They're simply creating new templates that will be useful for someone else.
Whether you're in your 20s or 50s, your life is already a template with more rows and columns being added daily. When you see an opportunity to make someone's journey smoother than yours, don't hesitate. After all, that's why we're all here.