Definition of a role model:
A role model is a person who serves
as a model in a particular behavioral or social role for another person to
emulate. someone worthy of imitation; True role models are those who possess
the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a
way that makes us want to be better people examples Jesus Christ is our role
model so also we as his children who are called should also imitate him.
Remember the bible says: let your light so shine before men…… Role Models are
people who others imitate, emulate or look to for guidance. Role models come
into young people’s lives in a variety of ways. They are educators, civic
leaders, mothers, fathers, clergy, peers, and ordinary people encountered in
everyday life. This study showed that being a role model is not constrained
to those with fancy titles or personal wealth. In fact, teenagers say
that “a true role model is not the person with the best job title, the most
responsibility, or the greatest fame to his or her name.” Anyone can inspire
a child to achieve their potential in life
Types Of Role Models In The Bible (Women)
1. Good role models
who inspire greatness in others e.g
Esther(Esther 4:17),Deborah(Judges 4&5),Ruth(Ruth 1:16-17) Mary
Magdalene ,Joanna, Susana(Luke 8:1&2), Abigail (1st Sam
25:23-31), Elizabeth(Luke 1:41), Rebacca (Gen 24:11-27), Rhoda (Acts
12:13-14),Salome(Matt 20:20-22). Miriam (Exo 15;20).
2. Bad role models:
Jezebel(1st kings 18:4,13), Vashti (Esther 1:10-22),
Adulteress(John 8:3-11), Sepparia (Acts 5:1-15), jobs wife (Job 2:9-10),
Herodias (Luke 3:9,mark 6:17-28),Delilah(Judges 16)
Role models show passion for their
work and have the capacity to infect others with their passion. “He who walks
with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Prov. 13:20). A good reputation is a valuable asset. “A good name is to be
more desired than great wealth” (Prov. 22:1). Not easy to earn … very easy to
have destroyed; that is why the Lord speaks so strongly against bearing false
witness; against making false accusations; against slandering our brother.
Our reputation should gain us a hearing to proclaim the gospel to other. (Matthew 5:14-16) “You are the light of the
world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts
it under the bushel basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all in
the house. In the same way, let your light
Shine
before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your
father in heaven [NRSV].”
How to Choose a Good Role Model?
1. Pick someone who
is kind, has high morals and values, and is a good person.
2. A friendly and
knowledgeable person is also a good choice for a role model.
3. Not only
celebrities can be role models. Often the best role models are those standing
right in front of you. Example: friends, family, teachers, etc.
4. Those who are
involved in your daily life will have the most profound impact on you;
therefore they may be the best role model for you.
5. Don’t let peer pressure,
the media, or TV exposure force you to look, act, or dress in a certain way
7 Characteristics Of A Good Role Model.
1. Passion and
Ability to inspire others.
2. Clear Set of
Values: Role models live their values in the world. Children admire people who
act in ways that support their beliefs. It helps them understand how
their own values are part of who they are and how they might seek fulfilling
roles as adults. For example, students spoke of many people who supported
causes from education to poverty to the environment. Role models helped
these students understand the underlying values that motivated people to
become advocates for social change and innovation.
3. Commitment to
Community and church: Role models are other-focused as opposed to self-focused.
They are usually active in their communities and church, freely giving of the
time and talents to benefit people. Students admired people who served on
local boards, reached out to neighbors in need, voted, and were active
members of community organizations.
4. Selflessness and
Acceptance of Others: Related to the idea that role models show a commitment
to their communities, students also admired people for their selflessness and
acceptance of others who were different from them. One student spoke of
her father, saying “He never saw social barriers. He saw people’s needs and
acted on them, no matter what their background or circumstances. He was never
afraid to get his hands dirty. His lifestyle was a type of service. My father
taught me to serve.”
5. Ability to
Overcome Obstacles: Young people develop the skills and abilities of initiative when they learn
to overcome obstacles. Not surprisingly, they admire people who show
them that success is possible. One student shared a story of a young
man she met in Cambodia on a service-learning project with her school. “He is
an incredibly hardworking individual who has faced unimaginable obstacles in
his life, yet continues to persevere to support his family and encourage his
community. He survived the Cambodian genocide. He earned his education in a
system where those who succeed are the ones who bribe officials. He has
dedicated his life to give back to his community. Wow! What an individual;
and the best civic role model!”
6. Love for one
another
7. Have a listening
ear
So, for you to be a role model for
others to emulate ,it is important for you to walk and behave like our mentor
Jesus Christ and this can be achieved through having the traits of Jesus
Christ
Mrs.
IHUA–JONATHAN .N.
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