June 16th, 2007
The Wrong Number
“He followed the example of Jeroboam son of Nebat in all the sins he had committed and led Israel to commit.”
1 Kings 16:26
We all follow someone’s example. Why are you wearing the shoes you are wearing today? Why do you have your children playing a sport? Why do you watch the shows that you watch, read the books that you read or eat at a particular restaurant? Chances are, someone gave you a recommendation and you took it. Whether you want to admit it or not, we each are radically influenced by those we listen to, watch, talk with and admire. Many times we have never even met those we try to emulate – think of how our media saturates us with famous people, both Christian and Non-Christian. These people who we admire set an example for our lives and daily decisions. How often do I have to catch myself by thinking, “Now, why am I doing that? Is it because so and so said it was a good idea or because I think God would want me to do that?” And yet it is so hard because our lives naturally build on those around us. Our challenge is to choose wisely who our examples are.
Who are your heroes? Who are those people who you listen to every word they say, read everything they have written, and follow their social lives? Who do you take advice from? Is there anyone that you think, “I want to know as much as that person, be as famous as that person, or have as nice of a house as that person”? Or perhaps you know you will never be that person, but you dream of someday actually talking to (or even just being in the same restaurant as) your hero.
While Tim studied at Dallas Theological Seminary the president of the seminary was Chuck Swindoll, the famous author, speaker and radio personality. One day I got a phone number from a fellow student to call the seminary wives’ office (I think that was who I was trying to reach). Well, wouldn’t you know it, they mixed up 2 of the numbers. So, when I called a familiar voice answered, “Hello, Chuck speaking.” I asked, “Is this the seminary wives’ office?” “No, this is Chuck Swindoll”. Apparently I had dialed his personal direct line! I quickly explained that I had the wrong number, apologized and hung up. I still can’t believe I actually talked with Chuck! (OK, no meaningful conversation existed, but still to hear his voice on my phone….)
I do admire Chuck’s spirituality, his ability to explain the Bible in real terms, and his writing talent. But you know what struck me that day as I hung up the phone with him and that sticks with me more than anything he has said? His example of kindness to a stranger on the phone who got the wrong number. Believe it or not, I often think, as I am frustrated with someone who dialed the wrong number, “But Chuck didn’t get upset with me. He was kind even though I was an annoyance”. Whether he knew it or not, his living example spoke louder to me than all of his other talents!
In my Bible reading I am now in 1 Kings – a book that lists king after king of Israel and Judah, sometimes with a story of their reign, but often with just the comment, “He followed the example of Jeroboam in all the sins he committed” or “He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, as his ancestor David had done” (1 Kings 15:1). Jeroboam and David – both heroes in Israel. But notice that each man, Jeroboam and David, left a different legacy, each exemplified a different type of life for others to follow. One hero led others away from God, the other had a heart for God. Now I doubt that each of the successive kings started their reign with the thought, “I want to be just like Jeroboam” or “Wow, David was great, I want my life to emulate his”. And yet each of these kings made decisions for their lives based on the example set by their predecessors.
You know we each will leave a legacy. No matter who you are, you are being observed by others who are constantly asking, “Do I like that person’s decision? Do I want to make the same decision?” I don’t mean to scare you or create paranoia, but that’s humanity – always comparing, always relational. So, my question for us to ponder is, “What example are we setting?”