Lesson Three: The Impact of Example

Read 1 Corinthians 4:2, 9-17; 8:9-13

According to 1 Corinthians 4:2, it is required of the servants of the Lord to "be found faithful."

After reading 1 Corinthians 4:9-17, the group that is specifically selected to be examples "unto the world, and unto angels, and unto men" are the last apostles.

Being a good example applies to more than just this group, it applies to all of Christ's followers, it applies to me. In Alma 39:11-12, the Spirit of the Lord is telling Alma to heed his sons to do that which is right. For there are many that look to them as an example. Thus, when they are doing bad, others likewise follow. Alma says the Spirit of the Lord "commands thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction". Because we are members of the Lord's church, we are a peculiar people. We are different from the ways of the world. Due to this, we set ourselves apart for the better; therefore, we can't help but be a beacon of light. Others see our example whether we want them to or not. That is why it is ever so crucial that we always be found "faithful" (1 Cor 4:2) and doing that which is pleasing unto the Lord. It is not enough to just know what is right. We have to be doing what is right for others to see our example and be desirous to come unto Christ. Furthermore, there is additional blessings and power to those who live what they know. As it says in 3 Nephi 8:1, when you live what you know--true and faithful--"many miracles in the name of Jesus" will happen.

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Insight from Classmates:

"The Impact of example as taught by Christ in his life.

     The Lord requires us as servants of the lord to be faithful to all we have been given. What does faithful mean? Being faithful to me means being completely obedient to every commandment that the Lord has given to us. Obedience to me is one of the greatest tests of faith the Lord has given us the opportunity to be a part of. We have to have faith in order to know that the outline the Lord has given us for our lives is legit and what we need to be doing to keep us obedient and return back to live with our Father in heaven. The group that is specifically selected to be the followers and examples of Christ are the apostles. They are made a spectacle unto the Lord to be examples for others to be able to see how they need to live their lives. I think we have great spectacles in our day and age as well to be able to follow. We have prophets like Thomas S. Monson who have dedicated their lives to the building up of the church and for its well being.

     Being a good example can apply to much more than this group. It can apply to our lives as well. Even though we are not apostles of the Lord we have still been called to be disciples of Him in this last dispensation. It is not only enough to understand the good that has been taught we must also live what we believe to be true. If we are not living our lives good then we are living our lives bad and therefore we are leading away the hearts of many astray and looking hypocritical for believing something but not having enough faith to put it to work and actually live our lives that way. Additional power can come to those who live their lives in accordance with the gospel. We will be able to do many mighty miracles in the name of the Lord if we are examples and have the power of convincing the hearts of men of the truthfulness of the gospel."

"The Impact of Example

It is my dream to be the best example to those around me so that they will know just by my actions and my countenance that I am a Latter-day Saint. Here are a few of my thoughts about being an example

Servants of the Lord are required to be faithful. The apostles are selected to be examples. Being an example applies to more than just the apostles though. It is important for everyone to be an example of the Lord. We, when we were baptized, took on his name and made a promise that we would be witnesses at all times and in all things and in all places. To be a witness is being an example. I just think about how it is my responsibility to be an example to my children. I am the one that will be with them all the time. I want my children to be able to say as the sons of Helaman said about their mothers; “we do not doubt our mother’s knew it.”

A lot of what we do is observed by others and our actions explain who we are. I think about little children, once again, and for example how that child could be playing with blocks in the living room minder her own business and then you walk in and stub your toe and say a naughty word and go back to your business. The next day the child is saying that naughty word. She learned by example. I think it is difficult to teach someone something and then you yourself do a different; like a hypocrite. It’s a good way to lead away many people. I think if someone isn’t acting the way they say they believe then that someone doesn’t actually believe what they say they believe. This reminds me of the account read in Alma 39:11-12.

In 3 Nephi 8:1 we read that a just man can work miracles in the name of Christ. A just man is honest and an example. We reap great blessings from being an honest example."