Secret #5: Character - acE

E is for Example

Have you ever heard the phrase: "children hear what they see"? A wise person said: “Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.” (Author unknown)

I believe that the greatest way to influence another person is by what you actually do - not what you say. Albert Einstein said: "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means."

You can talk till you're blue in the face the fact is that: “A good example has twice the value of good advice” (Anonymous). I'm sure you know what I mean. I'm sure we'll be more conscious and conscientious if we take to heart what Francis Bacon Sr. said: “He that gives good advice, builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example, builds with both; but he that gives good admonition and bad example, builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.”

Paul's advice to Timothy was: Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 - NLT) and he had every right to give that kind of advice because he was bold enough to encourage the Corinthians to "follow his example" more than once (see 1 Corinthians 4:16 & 11:1)

Without saying too much, suffice it to say that if you'll have the "ACE" up your sleeve (& in your heart), your character will glorify God; and “If we take care of our character, our reputation will take care of itself.”*


God bless

Source:
*quote in Our Daily Bread (January 13, 2010)