Main Text: Phillipians 3:17-4:1 (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Luke 13:31-35)
Many have claimed that celebreties are role models. We wonder then why our children and culture begins to reflect over identification with the sensational and self absorbed culture of entertainment. We bemoan everyone being lost in their phones and much more passionate about what they can get than what they can give. What will it take to turn this all around? Genesis reminds us that God comes into time and space to show the way. As God passed through the sacrifice to seal the covenant with Abram, so God’s light continues to lead us. Our reading from Luke shows two different kinds of leadership. There is Jesus who is inviting people into a living and life changing relationship that he not only speaks, but models. Then there is Herod who is only concerned with self service, promotion and protection. Paul did not tell people to do as he says and not as he does. To be an example is a tremendous responsibility. What we say needs to match with what we do. Gracious leadership is being an example. Paul instructed them to “stand firm in the Lord in this way.” He then called them to imitate his witness. What would happen if celebreties and role models were not the examples we lifted up? What if we were examples of how to stand firm in the Lord? What if we were examples of gracious leadership? How does our witness need to change to match our example?