Day 7 - Set the Example

DAY 7: BE THE EXAMPLE

by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 11th, 2026

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” — 1 Thessalonians 1:6–8

DEVOTION

I recently started coaching middle school basketball, and one thing I’ve learned quickly is that simply telling my players what to do isn’t enough. They need to see it modeled. Instructions matter, but example is what makes it real.

 

That’s true in our faith too. Words are powerful, but talk can only take us so far. When our walk matches our talk, we don’t just set an example—we become an example.

 

James, Jesus’ brother, said it plainly: “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18b) And Paul ties this directly to the theme of knowing God when he writes to Titus: “They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works…” (Titus 1:16a)

 

That’s sobering—but it’s also clarifying. It’s one thing to claim we know God; it’s another thing to live in a way that shows we do. Our works don’t earn God’s love, but they often reveal what we truly believe.

 

That kind of visible faith is exactly what happened in Thessalonica.

 

In Acts 17:1–9, Paul continued his missionary journey and arrived in Thessalonica—a major city and the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. He entered the synagogue and, for three Sabbaths, reasoned with them from the Scriptures. Some were persuaded and believed—along with many Greeks and several leading women.

 

The impact was so noticeable that people in the city cried out, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also…” (Acts 17:6b). When the gospel is truly received, it doesn’t just add something to your life—it changes your life.

 

Later, when Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church, he honored them for three powerful realities (1 Thessalonians 1:6–8):

 

  1. They imitated faithful examples — they became imitators of Paul and of the Lord.
  2. God’s Word sounded forth through them — the message didn’t stop with them; it moved outward.
  3. Their faith became their testimony — their reputation for trusting God spread so widely that Paul could say, “we need not say anything.”

 

In other words, their example became the message. And they lived this out even in hardship—receiving the Word “in much affliction,” yet with “the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6–8). Their example wasn’t only for easy days. It was who they were when life got hard.

 

Today, as you continue to grow in knowing God, may your life match your confession—and may His Word sound forth through you. Be the example today.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me and inviting me to truly know You. Forgive me for the moments when my words say one thing, but my life shows another. Shape my heart and my habits so that my faith is visible and sincere. Make my life an example that points people to You, and let Your Word sound forth through me. In Jesus’ name, amen!

NEXT STEP

Pick one place where people regularly watch your life (home, school, work, the gym, friendships, online, etc.). Ask: “If someone copied my life this week, would they look more like Jesus?”
Then choose one specific action to live your faith today:
  • encourage someone intentionally
  • apologize quickly where you’ve been wrong
  • serve someone without needing credit
  • respond with patience instead of irritation
  • pray for someone (and tell them you did)
Don’t just talk about knowing God—be the example.

1 Comment

  1. Acamy

    If my children copied my life this week, would they look more like Jesus? I sure hope so!! That’s why I need to allow the Lord to order my steps so I can be the best example possible for them.

    January 12, 2026 at 11:28 am

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