Live by Example

Corinthians 4:2, 9-17; 8:9-13

There are many things required of the servants of the Lord. In 1 Cor 4:2 we are told specifically that man must be found faithful (especially in stewards: a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.) People who claim to be servants of the Lord must have faith. Without faith (confidence or trust in a person or thing) a person cannot expect to be able to fulfill the needs of the Lord. 

Throughout the history of the church--ancient and new--there have been groups depended upon to be selected examples for good and bad. The group in 1 Cor 4: 9-17 who were selected to be examples are the apostles. The apostles are “fools for Christ’s sake”. They were persecuted and went under much stress of hatred. They are an example to us, to endure what little or great we may suffer in being faithful to what we know, and who we know is our God. 

Being a good example applies to more than this group. We need to be like the apostles, to follow their example and be examples. It doesn’t matter what religion you are. So long as you live according to what you know is right you will be blessed. Live righteously and become examples like the apostles. We must be careful to not be led away by vain or foolish things. We cannot let the devil lead us away in our hearts after those things which are wicked. 

It is not enough to know what is right. When we claim to be a part of something that is good and true, and we do not live by those standards, we weaken or demise the truth of that which we claim to be a part of. It is like Corianton in the book of Alma who’s father was a respected mouthpiece of God. When he, Corianton, the son of a man who preached righteousness, chased after harlots, his father would not be listened to. If we do what we know is against the laws of God, we are likely to lead others astray through our poor example.  

There is additional power to those who live what they know. 3 Nephi 8:1 says that “there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity.” If we live according to the truth we know, we can perform miracles, and be miracles. A servant of the Lord, a follower of the Savior, can do many amazing things. But he or she will need the aid from the Lord. We cannot earn, deserve, or hope to have that aid if we are not living according to what we know is true.