For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. – 1 Peter 2:21
After two brothers, she had hoped and prayed for a little sister. When Dad brought the blanket-wrapped bundle from the delivery room, she held her six-year-old breath. Hurrah! It was a little baby girl!
A few years later, when this baby sister was six years old, the older sister became aware that she was the object of adoration. Though some say imitation is the purest form of flattery, she was somewhat irritated when her little sister began to mimic her every move. If she sat on the couch with her legs curled under, little sister did the same. If she pulled a blanket over her lap, little sister did too. When it was time to dress for church, little sister tried to dress as much like big sister as possible, even down to the purse and shoes. The rest of the family thought it was cute when little sister added a denim bag to her costume because big sister was carrying one, but big sister could hardly conceal her frustration.
Whether we deem it frustrating or flattering when our younger siblings want to follow us in our choices, it does place a huge responsibility upon the older ones. The truth is, whether older or younger, all of us have a responsibility, because our lives are an example to those around us. We should give this fact serious consideration when we make our choices. We want what we do to be a good example, not something that could cause another to stumble.
Paul said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). We want to follow the Lord in a way that can be helpful to others. We may not always be aware that we are being watched, and perhaps even imitated, but we are.Even those who do not profess to be Christians have a high standard of expectation for those who say they are believers. The world expects our actions to be above reproach! We want to do our very best to let our lives glorify our Father which is in Heaven, and help others to serve Him.