Models of Christ - Martin Wiles

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Titus 2:7 NLT

Every male friend I had seemed to enjoy it, but somehow I didn’t share their enthusiasm. 

When I was a pre-teen, putting together model cars was the in thing. Most of my male friends did it and seemed to love it. I would look at the shelves lined with model cars of various styles, shapes, models, and prices and wonder how someone could get so excited. I suppose most young men wanted to know how to work on cars. Assembling a model car would give them a chance to learn the various parts of the motor. 

Not wanting to be the odd boy out, I bought one and quickly discovered this wasn’t for me. While the finished product was stylish, getting to that point was difficult. Model car glue and super glue were surely related. Parts had to be placed in the correct spot quickly and with no glue on your fingers. After one shabby attempt, I decided I’d get the snap together type from then on. 

Model cars were impressive when assembled correctly, but mine were a poor representation of the real thing. Paul reminds Titus he was a model to those God had called him to teach. He may have been young, but his good works, teaching, and integrity were to model Christ well. 

Believers are models of Christ. I’m not sure my one cemented together model car was a good representation of the real thing. My life, however, should display a more accurate depiction. Jesus modeled the Father. He said looking at Him was the same as gazing upon the heavenly Father. He was kind, compassionate, empathetic, service minded, conscientious of others’ needs, and firmly grounded in the Word. When tempted, He was armored to resist the fiery darts of Satan. In times of persecution—even death—for His beliefs, He stood firm. 

Constant attention to what kind of models we are is essential. An unfocused mind is a wandering mind—into places, actions, and words that don’t represent Christ well. Distractions will take us where we don’t need to go and in the process distort the model others see. 

Remember how the Christ who put you together appears. Don’t let someone or something glue pieces where they don’t belong. 

Prayer: Father, give us strength to model Your attributes well before others.

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