The Greatest Role Model of History

Have you ever looked up to someone who in your sense was just the greatest, like that person was God's gift to man? They were one of your absolutely favorite people and you just knew when you grew up you wanted to be just like them. Then all of a sudden they do something that seems totally out of their character-like they are way less than perfect and you are distraught. Your heart feels like it's ripped in two and no longer can you look at this person as the person you want to model your life after. You are disappointed and even you have to admit to yourself, disgusted. How could you want to grow up to be like that person when they could do something in your eyes that is so horrible, something you would never do? Not only do you feel disgusted and disappointed, you feel cheated. Cheated out of an opportunity of fellowship with this person. For you can no longer be as close to this person as you once were. The mention of their name, while it once brought a smile to your face, it now brings a cringe to your heart as you remember the moment when somehow they failed you.

Many times in life we look up to people as role models. Just as the term suggests, people we want to model our lives after. We know we can't be them, but boy we sure wish we turn out a lot like them. But since we live in a fallen world, even those people who you perceived to be almost flawless have their flaws and their failures. To put it bluntly, in this life people disappoint you.

However, if your eyes are focused on the True Role Model for the Christian Life, Jesus Christ, you will never be disappointed. For He will never disappoint you. You can always look up to Him as the One you want to model your life after (as well you should, hence why we have the Bible). For Christ doesn't just seem perfect like those people you may look up to and let you down, He is perfect and because of that He will never let you down. In Hebrews 13:8 it says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." He is perfect, without sin and He will always remain perfect. You don't have to worry about Him changing and disappointing you. He won't do things that contradict what He once said like people can do- No. Christ is true to His word.

So next time you are looking for a role model- while it is lovely to look up to another Christian, remember that we are all sinners and we all fail- no matter how great we seem. People can greatly wound you, but Christ was wounded for you- took your place and your sin when He had none. Next time you are looking for a role model you don't have to go far- just open up the Word of God...He's everywhere in it and if you are listening, He will speak.