The epistle reading suggested by the New Revised Common
Lectionary (NRCL) for the second Sunday in Lent is Philippians 3:17—4:1. That
reading begins: Brothers and sisters,
join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you
have in us. In this pericope Paul
uses a term that we don’t hear very often anymore. That word is “example.”
We see negative illustrations. Poor paradigms of behavior dominate news
reports in all media. We find all kinds
of samples of activity that we would do well to avoid. But my question becomes, “Where are the role
models?”
I am not merely
speaking of public figures whom we encourage children to imitate. I wonder where are the positive examples, the
exhibitors of outstanding character, after whom it is appropriate to model our
own character? It is difficult to describe
something by what it is not. It is
challenging to speak of exemplary integrity by giving negative examples. “Don’t be like this, or this, or this” doesn’t
offer direction regarding what to pursue, only what to avoid.
Where is the figure about whom I can state, “I want to be
like him/her?” Where is the Paul of this
age? I don’t believe it is an
unreasonable request. Not only does a
positive example encourage us, it also convinces us that “it can be done.”
Paul had no problems with personal insecurity. He had a bit of an ego, and at times that
gets in the way of our reading his letters.
But he walked the walk as well as talking the talk. He reminds us of his hardships and abuses on
a regular basis. But the thing is, after
the insults and beatings, he got up and continued his work exactly as before.
I have known people who encouraged me, either by their instruction
or their actions. But I don’t see so
many of those folks lately. I surely
could use a role model in these days.
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