Leading by Example: Making a Lasting Impact

The idea of being "in the middle" might feel confusing. It’s a stage where you’re not quite young anymore, but not yet fully old either. This middle ground is a significant and unique point in life—one that can make a profound impact, especially in the church.

In many churches, people in this stage often feel like they don’t fully belong to either end of the spectrum. You might feel too old to be involved in youth activities like joining a praise band or helping with Vacation Bible School, but at the same time, you may feel too young to take on roles in church leadership, such as being part of the council of elders. However, the potential for influencing church growth and spiritual development is immense at this stage.

A Bridge Between Generations

Those who are younger look up to you. They are observing your life, watching your decisions, and are likely to follow in your footsteps. Whether you realize it or not, they are watching and learning from the example you set.

On the other hand, the older generation is also watching. Their hope for the future of the church lies in you. They are preparing to pass the baton of leadership, and their ability to enjoy retirement or step back from church responsibilities depends on how ready you are to take on more responsibility.

Though you might feel like you’re caught in the middle, this is the very place where you can have the greatest influence. By bridging the gap between generations, you can create a lasting impact. The question then is: How can you make a meaningful difference for God’s Kingdom?

Leading by Example

The answer lies in leading by example. The Apostle Paul spoke directly to this idea in his letter to Timothy. He encouraged Timothy, a young leader, not to be discouraged by his youth, but to set an example in the way he lived.

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul writes: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” Though addressed to Timothy, this message applies to anyone seeking to make a difference through their actions, no matter their age.

Leadership isn’t always about holding a formal position. It begins with how you live your life. Your words, actions, and how you treat others can inspire those around you.

Internal and External Growth

Paul emphasizes the importance of both internal and external growth. It begins with faith and purity—your beliefs and moral foundation. What you believe in should shape who you are. Your heart needs to be in the right place. Take, for example, the Pharisees, who followed religious practices like prayer and fasting, but with the wrong motives. They sought recognition from others rather than true godliness.

Once your internal beliefs are grounded, they will naturally show in how you live. This is where speech, conduct, and love come into play. As Paul says, “What’s in your heart will eventually come out in your words and actions.” Your testimony is not only reflected in your faith but also in how you interact with others.

Making an Impact

Your testimony matters. The younger generation is watching, ready to follow your example, and the older generation is preparing to entrust leadership to you. Your words and actions have the power to influence both generations, creating a lasting legacy for the church.

At this point in your life, you have the unique opportunity to shape the future of the church. By living out your faith in a way that reflects God’s love and truth, you can inspire others and make an impact that echoes for years to come. Remember, leadership begins not with a title but with a life lived as an example for others to follow.

Paul’s charge to Timothy to “show yourself an example of those who believe” was not just a suggestion but a call to action. Timothy was sent to Ephesus to make an impact, to model godliness to the believers around him in a time when false teachings, particularly from Gnostics, were influencing both the minds and lifestyles of many. Paul knew that Timothy’s life would speak louder than his words alone, which is why he urged him to be an example not only through teaching but through his very life.

Timothy’s task in Ephesus serves as a reminder that godliness is best modeled through “leadership by example.” When Paul encouraged Timothy to lead in "speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity," he was emphasizing that real change comes not only from what we say but from how we live. It’s a form of leadership that resonates deeply with people because they can see faith in action. Leading by example is more than just speaking truth—it’s about living a life that others can observe and emulate, impacting their walk with God.

Developing Godliness Through Discipline

Our life as a believer is like a work of art—on display for others to see. We may not realize it, but people around us are observing how we live, how we respond to challenges, and how we treat others. We all hope that our lives will leave a lasting mark on others, helping them grow closer to God. But before we can influence others, we must first cultivate godliness in our own lives.

Paul didn’t just instruct Timothy to model godliness; he also urged him to “discipline himself for the purpose of godliness.” This wasn’t a one-time event but a continual process. Godliness is not something that happens overnight; it takes time, effort, and intentionality. Paul understood this, which is why he wrote, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

Discipline, whether in physical fitness or in spiritual growth, requires consistency. Think about achieving fitness goals. Going to the gym sporadically won’t yield results. You need to show up regularly, even when you don’t feel like it, and stick to a disciplined routine of exercise and healthy eating. Similarly, spiritual growth requires a consistent approach. You may not always feel like praying, studying Scripture, or worshiping with fellow believers, but these spiritual disciplines are essential for building a strong foundation in godliness.

Paul acknowledges that bodily discipline has some value, but he reminds us that “godliness is profitable for all things.” Its impact reaches beyond this life and into eternity. Just as consistent exercise leads to physical health, consistent spiritual discipline leads to a life that blesses others and glorifies God. 

Overcoming Distractions

In today’s world, we face numerous distractions that can hinder our spiritual growth. Whether it’s spending excessive time on social media, seeking validation through likes and followers, or becoming consumed by entertainment, these distractions can pull us away from pursuing godliness. Paul calls these “worldly fables,” things that hold no real value for our spiritual lives.

As we grow in maturity, we must learn to leave these distractions behind. God calls us to invest our time in practices that nurture our relationship with Him—prayer, studying His Word, and worshiping with others. It’s through these disciplines that we build godliness, and in turn, influence the people around us. Like going to the gym when you don’t feel like it, we must discipline ourselves in our walk with God, knowing that the effort is worthwhile.

Ultimately, our greatest example of godliness is found in Jesus Christ. He didn’t just leave us with the gift of salvation; He also left us a model for how to live. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our lives are meant to reflect the light of Christ, shining in such a way that others are drawn not to us, but to God.

Just as a light is meant to be placed where it can be seen, our faith should be evident in every aspect of our lives. The good works that others see in us are not for our own glory, but for the glory of the Father. It’s through our actions that we become a living example of Christ’s love and grace to those around us.

Carry the Light Forward

As we strive to lead by example, we are challenged to train ourselves in godliness, to discipline ourselves in spiritual practices, and to live lives that others can follow. Just as Timothy was called to be a model for the believers in Ephesus, we are called to be lights in our world today. Our impact doesn’t end with us—it extends to those who watch us, those we influence, and the next generation of believers. Let’s be faithful in our calling, knowing that godliness not only transforms our lives but also has the power to shape the lives of others for eternity.