Role Models..

[StarryEyes]

So I already asked this in the Women's Discussion Forum but thought I would ask it here too..

On the way home from a basketball game tonight, I was listening to the radio and they were talking about role models and idols.

According to God's Word, we are not supposed to have Idols! It's one of the 10 Commandments. But I'm having a hard time distinguishing between "idols" and "role models." Is the only role model we have supposed to be Jesus, or is it ok for others to be our role models too. Also, is a role model the same thing as an idol? If any verses come to mind please, please include them!

God bless!

 

[texastig]

Amy, idols are things/people that are worshipped. Role models are people. There are Godly role models such as Jesus and ministers and ungodly role models such as Paris Hilton.
Our identity is supposed to in Christ.
Thanks,
TT

So I already asked this in the Women's Discussion Forum but thought I would ask it here too..

On the way home from a basketball game tonight, I was listening to the radio and they were talking about role models and idols.

According to God's Word, we are not supposed to have Idols! It's one of the 10 Commandments. But I'm having a hard time distinguishing between "idols" and "role models." Is the only role model we have supposed to be Jesus, or is it ok for others to be our role models too. Also, is a role model the same thing as an idol? If any verses come to mind please, please include them!

God bless!

 

[tturt]

It's where the line is -

admire them or put them on a pedestal too much = worshiping them;
eat enough or gluttony;
work certain amount of time, energy, thoughts or workaholic;
trusting people or being gullible;
being confident or prideful;
etc

 

[Robinsegg]

Remember, we are commanded to disciple each other . . . this is role modeling. Idols are worshiped, disciplers are followed with the intent of becoming more like Christ.
Rachel

 

[LilLamb219]

It's ok to have a role model, but it depends on how far you push your admiration of him/her that indicates idol worship.

 

[madison1101]

Paul said "Be ye holy as I am holy." He was the ultimate role model. Following someone's example in their walk with Christ is NOT worshipping them.

 

[heron]

I think that speakers make generalizations and try to squeeze them into short sermons. The idea might have struck him in a certain instance, and he quickly applied idolatry to every admiration.

The Bible itself is a list of role models! It's full of stories of people that were looked up to for their decisions, bravery, and devotion to God. It is open about their mistakes. But you'll even find NT saints quoting OT saints... role models.

I didn't used to believe role models were helpful, but over the years I've found that it can help get a handle on a situation when I hear how someone else dealt with a similar dilemma in a mature and responsible way. I see hope in how people stood their ground when it wasn't comfortable, and came out still respected.

Putting a person's poster on our wall or being a groupie might show a desire to escape our own realities and weaknesses, in a desire to gain off another person's success. People go to hear an expert speak, often because they secretly hope they will get noticed, or because they want a piece of that success, or they want the person's approval. We should notice our motives and straighten them out when they warp.

God is our source. We have some pretty twisted motivations for the things we do, but God wants us to consult Him, lean on Him, and ask for help from Him.

 

[FenderElctrc]

Jesus needs to be our top role model. Other people as role models are fine. One of mine would probably have to be Martin Luther King Jr. However, we must test their spirits and always go to God for understanding. Men are sinners and can lie. That is why we must go to scripture and God and compare their word to God's. Even the most obedient, Godly men have the potential to "screw up."

 

[JPPT1974]

Jesus Christ and then your parents
Should be your only role models
As well as some teachers and someone
In the Christian community like a pastor
Sunday School teacher, etc!