I’m not the perfect example by any means, but over the years, I’ve learned about setting a good example. I've been on staff for over five years and lead all of our Weekend Celebration Teams (the booth teams). So here are 3 practical tips to help set a good example.

1. Hold Yourself to a Higher Standard.

Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…"

To set a good example, we’ve got to work hard.  We can’t just put in the minimum amount to get by. We must look at the Lord for our standard, not just the world. It’s so easy to try and use someone else’s bad behavior to justify our own shortcomings. For example: Who cares if I forgot to take out the trash, at least I wasn’t out getting high... Or whatever the example is, it's so easy for us to measure ourselves by other people, but if we instead compared ourselves to Christ, we would realize just how far off we actually are from perfect. This helps us keep growing!

2. Be a Conversation Starter.

One time I was talking with my dad and he said something about, "you know what your mom and I ought to do? We ought to drop you off at a youth group you’ve never been to so that you’re all alone and don’t have any of your friends around, that way you can learn the pain of loneliness and you will always seek out those who are lonely to be their friend." Even though he never actually did it, I still to this day that moment every time I see somebody alone or who isn’t being included in. Now, I try and start conversations with people to welcome them. Even if it’s just “Hey! It’s great to see you!” Take the time to affirm those around you and acknowledge them! Tell people they matter, and they are important. The reality is there are a ton of lonely people in this world who just need someone to care enough to stop and notice them.

3. Value people more than you value stuff.

Be generous. Earlier this week my wife and I gave away a couch to someone who needed it. We weren’t using it, so we just decided to bless a friend in need. Another way we try to bless people is by being generous tippers at restaurants. In fact, my wife likes to tip 100% of the bill. Now, for me, this can be hard because it is a big sacrifice, but every once in a while, she will choose the tip (which I know will be 100% of the bill) so we can bless the server. I’m not going around always excited about this stuff, but at the end of the day when I get it right, it sets an example that others around me will look up to me.
 
It’s not about being the perfect example, it’s about being a willing example.

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 Nate Earl is the Director of Weekend Celebrations. He oversees all of the production aspects of our weekend services. Nate is also married to his beautiful wife, Anna, and together they live in South Bend. 

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