Role models

17 Jan Role models

While we all know that a mentor and his protege (aka mentee) have a two-way relationship, a role model is someone we emulate in character and style. We may or may not have a relationship with our role models. We established earlier that Jesus Christ is our perfect example and ultimate mentor and role model. However, since Jesus is not here with us in the flesh, He has surrounded us with many human witnesses (aka role models) that we can also glean and learn from. So, who is a role model?

A role model is someone who has or is currently living out the style, quality, pattern, grace and character we want in our lives. A role model is someone who has been where we are going to. A role model is not necessarily a perfect person but must be someone who we can say has been there, done it and got a t-shirt to show for it.  He is someone who has rode the tide and overcame diverse obstacles on their way up. They can therefore be said to be forerunners too.

I dare to say we all need role models in our lives. I believe that anyone longing to attain greatness should have a role model who will be their ‘forerunners’. This is because role models help to push you out of your comfort zone in other to achieve the heights that your talents and gifts can. They help you to maximise your potentials. Apostle Paul emphasised this in the scriptures below, where he was offering himself as a role model to the people.

Therefore, I urge you, imitate me. 

1 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 

1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Jesus also showed us that it is important to have role models, giving his disciples a pattern to follow.

So, when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down  again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

 John 13:12-15 NKJV

Note: Except where otherwise stated, all scriptural references are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Holy Bible.