Be an Example

Mark Twain once said, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Have you noticed how people who set an example for others are ridiculed, slandered and hated? There are those in our society who cannot stand anyone good, wholesome and lives by godly principles. Why are they so upset? Because light will always reveal what is hidden in the dark.

One of the purposes of a success-minded person is to influence their world for good. Medical Missionary, Albert Schweitzer, said, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” Our behavior, speech, actions and achievements matter to more than just ourselves. You are setting an example for others to follow who wish to live a successful life. Like it or not, you are the only example that some may ever see. That is a big responsibility but it is all part of being a success-minded person.

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.  I just watch what they do.”

Andrew Carnegie

1835-1919

Industrialist

The world we live in today does not see living by Christian principals as needless but rather as impossible. They think that it is asking too much of a person to be trustworthy, hard-working and honest. Author G.K. Chesterton said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” I know many say they have tried to live as a Christian but it “did not work” for them. That statement alone shows they never knew what it meant to be a Christian in the first place. It is not about how we live; it is about Whom we are living for.

Success-minded people are to be an example to the world that it is possible to achieve success without compromising your values, being dishonest, or stepping on others to do so. Our life is to be such that we do not have to preach to others on how to be successful, but people only have to see what we do. Words are cheap to be sure. I can tell you anything, but the challenge is what I show you. It is how you live that will speak to most people. They may not like it, but you cannot argue with a good example.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Society is always taken by surprise at any new example of common sense.” Success-minded people should be full of surprises.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

– Matthew 5:14-16

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey