MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH MODELING

INTRODUCTION

Greetings: Greet the faculty and staff, parents on site & on line, friends & family who came for the service, MVCA students. Thank MVCA Teachers for modeling a life worthy of emulation.

Lining up in the cafeteria during my High School days

Have you ever wondered if you have made any difference in your life? Have you ever thought why is it important to make a difference?

Making a difference is important because it is how you can create the positive change you want to see in the world. It can also increase your happiness and make you more fulfilled in life. There countless and different ways how you, young people as well as everybody, can make a difference and make a positive impact in our small little world.

Yes, you and I can make a difference by Modeling. We can be a model in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Apostle Paul says to Timothy:

1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

Background of the Text:

A young man named Timothy was chosen by Paul to oversee the church at Ephesus. Timothy was a third generation Christian as both his grandmother and mother were Christians, although his father was Greek. Paul served as his spiritual father, who converted him to Christianity. Timothy accompanied Paul during his second missionary journey, especially to Europe. He was also chosen as a goodwill ambassador to Jerusalem who would accompany Paul their. Perhaps, his rich missionary field experience with Paul qualified him to become in-charge of the church in Ephesus.

He was still a young man at that time he was chosen to lead the church in Ephesus. There is no way to determine how old was he during that time but some scholars believe that this age could be a time for conscription to the military. That age is about 18 years to 40 years old. It could be surmised that he is younger than Paul and even younger than the leaders and the church members under his charge. In a culture where age was revered and youth given a somewhat lower value, it was important for young leaders to be encouraged to regard youth as an asset and not as a liability. [Daniel C. Arichea and Howard Hatton].

Hence, Paul came up with his advise to Timothy that though he is young, let no one look down on him. Meaning - let no one make fun of him, to treat him with contempt, or disgust because of his actions.

Instead, he is charged to make a difference by being a model not in a sense of what the faithful or a good Christian or good young man should follow. But he should be “a model of what the faithful are, which will make its appeal to all men (cf. 10, 15) and attract them to complete salvation (cf. 2:3–8).” Although he is also charged to command and teach, he should model in his own life the characteristics of a person who can make a difference in life.1

Modeling is quite different from commanding and teaching. The person who gives the command is the subject who gives orders and instructions to the object. But the subject may not do the instruction and orders. We oftentimes here the old saying that goes “Do what I say but do not follow what I do.” The earlier phrase is a command. But the second phrase has something to do with modelling.

STORY: There was a man on horseback who saw a group of exhausted soldiers digging a trench. On the side is their section leader who was barking orders.

The passerby asked the leader why he isn’t helping his team. The leader just said that he is in charge and tells his people what to do.

The man decided to pitch in and help the soldiers dig until the trench was finished. After that, he approached the commander on foot and told him that the next time their rank prevents them from supporting his men, he should notify the top command – and that he will give a permanent solution to it.

The section leader then realized that the person he was talking to was none other than the historical figure, General Washington.

Moral of the Story:

George Washington is the best model because he showed eagerness to help and give aid to his followers. He would eventually become one of the renowned presidents of the United States of America. He indeed made a difference in the lives of his followers and eventually the people of USA.

Also, teaching is different from modeling. Teaching is imparting theoretical and practical knowledge with the highest possible development of the pupil as the goal. In a spiritual sense, teaching is done to show the people that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Also, teaching is the instruction that is given to churches at their founding so as to strengthen them against Jewish attacks. The point is, the teacher teaches the student so that the student may become what is being taught him.

What makes modeling quite different from commanding and teaching? Some may think that a model is like someone who you see on billboards, a subject to be followed like PIa Wurtzbach or Coco Martin. But, they are not the models who I am referring to since they are modeling in a wordly perspective. Yet many follow them.

I want you to look at modeling in the Biblical perspective. For Apostle Paul, modeling is not more on physical appearance. Rather, modeling has something to do with what is done with one’s life. Modeling is commanding and instructing at the same time following his own commands and orders. These he does in order not to be put to shame for being a law-giver but at the same time a law-breaker. He wants to make an impression that he is law-enforcer and at the same time a law-abider. He does what he does in order to lead people to a transformation into the image and character of God that would lead to salvation.

With his modeling, he also counseled Timothy not to be a commander and a teacher only, but he should also be an example. He should be the stamp, the mould, the pattern, the image, impression, the standard, the model for the believers to follow! In this way, he can make a difference in the lives of God’s people.

BODY:

There are five areas of life for which Timothy can be or should be an model. We’re going to look at three areas only for today. These areas are in SPEECH, in WAY OF LIFE; and in LOVE. We will look at this so that we can also model these areas of life to others. The other two may be treated at other times because of their very broad subject.

a. In SPEECH

First, Timothy must be a model in speech.

speech is an expression of one’s inward thoughts

This is what Jesus Christ refers to Matthew 12:34 “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

It means that what a person says reveals what is in his/her heart.

In Luke 6:45, Jesus says that people can be judged by what they say and do because these things reveal what is really inside the person: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” If you want to know what is on the inside of a person, you simply watch his actions; listen to what comes out of his mouth on a regular basis. This is not being judgmental; this is being realistic.

If a person is angry, rude, lewd, or immoral on a regular basis, you can be assured that this is what he is like “on the inside.” If a person is consistently kind, encouraging, and polite, then you can be sure that is what he is like “on the inside.” Of course, it is possible that someone might put up a façade to deceive others regarding his character, but eventually what is inside will come out. The mouth speaks out of the abundance—the overflow—of the heart. [https://tinyurl.com/4evwjau4]

Jesus warns that people will be judged by their words, which reflect their true character. Therefore, Christians should be careful about what they say and what they fill their hearts with.

STORY:

A story labeled as an April Fools’ Day joke drew a lot of nationwide attention and resulted in a retraction and apologies from Car and Driver magazine. On April 1, 2009, the magazine published a story on their website stating that President Barack Obama had ordered Chevrolet and Dodge to pull out of their NASCAR sponsorships to save money. Since the White House had been involved in removing the CEO of General Motors a few days earlier, many media outlets took the story at face value and spread it. The resulting angry and fearful comments forced Car and Driver to remove the story from the website. In the retraction, the magazine claimed a “proud tradition of irreverent editorial and we amplify that each year with our April Fools’ Day joke.” Not everyone took such as light view of the story, however. Longtime racing public relations representative Denny Darnell of Darnell Communications said, “I’ve been in this business more than 30 years and I have never seen a story so irresponsible. It cannot be passed off as a joke.”

Be careful what you say, and what you repeat.

- Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell, “Retracting an April Fool’s Joke,” in 300 Illustrations for Preachers, ed. Elliot Ritzema (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015).

Let me ask you, what are the contents of your daily conversations? Would God be happy to hear your it? Would others be happy and encouraged by your words and speeches? Would it lead them to know God better and learn about Jesus Christ?

Let us be models in speech.

b. In WAY OF LIFE

Second, Timothy must be a model in his way of life.

way of life = conduct or behavior

the way of life is the observable expression of one’s being a Christian, technical term in the NT spirituality

!. Be content with what you have

Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2. Be a model in your comportment or appearance

Theological Lexicon of the New Testament (ἀναστροφή)

It is above all St. Peter who demands of all Christians an unassailable comportment. Whether with respect to bearing, dress, or behavior in family and social relations, every action and reaction in the context of the community, that is, the concrete life of the believer, should be noble and radiant:8 “Let your behavior among the nations be noble” (1 Pet 2:12; kalē), apt as a result to disarm criticisms (1 Peter 3:16), notably those of husbands won over by the chaste and quiet deportment of their wives (1 Peter 3:1–2).

church attire, uniforms, transvestism, shoes (hairstyle, personal hygiene)

3. Conduct your life like you are a child of the heavenly king!

conduct yourself properly, show yourself irreproachable (beyond criticism, faultless) noble and splendid conduct

STORY:

Spanish runner Iván Fernández Anaya was running in second place in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2012 London Olympics. As the runners came toward the finish, he was trailing the leader, Abel Mutai from Kenya, by a distance too great to overcome. Mutai would get the gold and Anaya would settle for silver.

Then Mutai made a big mistake. Thinking he had crossed the finish line, the Kenyan pulled up 10 meters short. Anaya quickly caught up and that is when his integrity kicked in. Instead of exploiting Mutai’s mistake by passing him and claiming victory, he stayed behind, using gestures to guide Mutai to the finish so he could cross first.

“He was the rightful winner,” Fernández Anaya said. “He created a gap that I couldn’t have closed if he hadn’t made a mistake. As soon as I saw he was stopping, I knew I wasn’t going to pass him.”

It is better to be proud of a silver medal honestly attained than wear a gold medal that rightfully belonged to another.—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Anaya showed in his way of life what is more important. He holds that integrity is better than worldly accolades.

c. in LOVE

Third, Timothy was charged to model love.

used almost exclusively in the NT to the love of persons for persons; “a sober kind of love—love in the sense of placing a high value upon some person or thing, or of receiving them with favour” (Warnach)3

no bullying, no favoritism or special preference due to color

to show great affection or care for or loyalty towards others

Jesus kind of love

selfless love

loving your enemy (breaking the mutuality of loving); Christ love for humanity - dying for sinners (Rom 5:8)

double command of love of God and neighbor (example of the good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37) occupy a special rank

STORY:

LOVE OF ENEMIES

In The Grace of Giving,  Stephen Olford tells of a Baptist pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and enjoyed the friendship of George Washington. In Ephrata also lived Michael Wittman, an evil-minded sort who did all he could to oppose and humiliate the pastor. One day Michael Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. Peter Miller traveled seventy miles on foot to Philadelphia to plead for the life of the traitor.

"No, Peter," General Washington said. "I cannot grant you the life of your friend."

"My friend!" exclaimed the old preacher. "He's the bitterest enemy I have."

"What?" cried Washington. "You've walked seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in different light. I'll grant your pardon." And he did.

Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home to Ephrata--no longer an enemy but a friend.

CONCLUSION:

WHO I AM MAKES A DIFFERENCE

A teacher in New York decided to honor each of her high school seniors for the difference they made in her life. Then she presented each of them with a Blue Ribbon imprinted with gold letters, which read, "Who I Am Makes a Difference."™

Afterwards the teacher gave each of the students three more ribbons to acknowledge others, to see what impact it would have in their community. They were to follow up on the results, see who honored whom and report back to the class the following week.

One of the students honored a junior executive in a nearby company for helping him with his career planning. The student gave him a blue ribbon and put it on his shirt just over his heart. Then the boy gave him two extra ribbons, explained their class project on acknowledgement and enlisted the executive's help.

Later that day the junior executive went in to his boss and told him that he deeply admired him for being a creative genius. The junior executive asked him if he would accept the gift of the blue ribbon and would he give him permission to put it on him. His surprised boss said, "Well, sure." After placing the ribbon above his boss' heart, he asked him to support the efforts of the class project and pass on the extra ribbon.

That night the grouchy boss went home to his 14-year-old son and sat him down. He said, "The most incredible thing happened to me today. I was in my office and one of the junior executives came in and told me he admired me and gave me this blue ribbon for being a creative genius. Imagine. He thinks I'm a creative genius. Then he put this blue ribbon that says 'Who I Am Makes a Difference'™ on my jacket above my heart. Next he gave me an extra ribbon and asked me to find somebody else to honor. As I was driving home tonight, I started thinking about whom I would honor with this ribbon and I thought about you, son. I want to honor you."

"My days are really hectic and when I come home I don't pay a lot of attention to you. Sometimes I scream at you for not getting good enough grades in school or for your bedroom being a mess. But somehow tonight, I just wanted to sit here and, well, just let you know that you do make a difference to me. Besides your mother, you are the most important person in my life. You're a great kid and I love you!"

The startled boy started to sob and sob, and he couldn't stop crying. His whole body shook. He walked over to a drawer, pulled out a gun, stared at his father and, through his tears said, "I was planning on committing suicide tomorrow, Dad, because I didn't think you loved me. Now I don't need to."

(Source: Helice "Sparky" Bridges, story featured in Chicken Soup For The Soul and made into a television movie that aired nationwide on PAX TV. Copyright © 1988 Helice Bridges)

Young People, you are charged today to make a difference in life. You can make a difference by modeling in your speech, way of life, and love. Your speech is a product of what’s deep inside your heart. It should be kind, encouraging, and polite. Your way of life should reflect the ideals and philosophy of Christ. Be content with what you have and dress the way how you want to be addressed. Your love should reflect the love of Christ. It should be seflless, breaking all boundaries, and loving others like you love yourself.

Model these to yourself because who knows, one day, you saved others life and for sure you would save your own life!

[Daniel C. Arichea and Howard Hatton, A Handbook on Paul’s Letters to Timothy and to Titus, UBS Handbook Series (New York: United Bible Societies, 1995), 103.]

1[Walter Lock, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (I & II Timothy and Titus), International Critical Commentary (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1924), 52.]

2[Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1985), 161.]

Horst Robert Balz and Gerhard Schneider, Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1990–) 9.