Set an Example

 

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.  I just watch what they do.”

Andrew Carnegie

1835-1919

Industrialist

 

Mark Twain once said, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Have you noticed how people who set an example for others are ridiculed, slandered, and hated? There are those in our society who cannot stand anyone good, wholesome, and lives by godly principles. Why are they so upset? Because light will always reveal what is hidden in the dark.

One of the purposes of a success-minded person is to influence their world for good. Medical Missionary Albert Schweitzer said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” Our behavior, speech, actions, and achievements matter to more than just ourselves. You are setting an example for others to follow who wish to live a successful life. Like it or not, you are the only example that some may ever see. That is a big responsibility, but it is all part of being a success-minded person.

Today, the world we live in does not see living by Christian principles as needless but rather impossible. They think it is asking too much of a person to be trustworthy, hard-working, and honest. Author G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” I know many say they have tried to live as a Christian, but it “did not work” for them. That statement alone shows they never knew what it meant to be a Christian in the first place. It is not about how we live; it is about Whom we are living for.

Success-minded people are to be an example to the world that it is possible to achieve success without compromising your values, being dishonest, or stepping on others to do so. Our life is to be such that we do not have to preach to others on how to be successful, but people only have to see what we do. Words are cheap, to be sure. I can tell you anything, but the challenge is what I show you. It is how you live that will speak to most people. They may not like it, but you cannot argue with a good example.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Society is always taken by surprise at any new example of common sense.” Success-minded people should be full of surprises.

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.