This week’s blog post is by Brad Wright, Compass Rose’s campus chaplain. To learn more about Brad, click here.

As I thought about this blog article, I immediately thought about Titus 2:7 and 1 Timothy 4:12. Both verses tell us to be examples in everything we do. Be an example in speech, in actions, in relationships, in working, in playing, etc.

The second place I went was “Webster’s New World Dictionary and Thesaurus.” There, we find that “example” is defined as being a model, a pattern for others or something to be imitated.

Both the Bible and dictionary give us the best view of the word “example.” How do we lead in our faith through example and find ways to give back?

The first thing we have to do is want to lead through our example. Charles Barkley several years ago told us he was not a role model in his basketball Nike ad. Sorry Charles, whether you liked it or not, you were being an example – good or bad! Barkley was leading in his commercial, and like him, we have to realize that people, students, coworkers, etc., are watching us in our daily routines that make up the commercials of our life. What is it saying to those around you?

Being a leader is not easy, because it puts us in a position to be judged by other people. I say that’s OK. Let people look at me and see the mistakes I make (and I make plenty); it gives me a chance to point them toward the one true, perfect Jesus. Own your faith; put yourself in positions to lead through example. People are watching and learning. When you mess up and own that mistake, it gives you more credibility when you are leading in your faith through positive examples. Step up and lead — be an example!

The second part of this blog is finding ways to give back. When you serve others, it is an example of loving people and wanting to help. Stop and look around your place of work, and ask yourself, “Where can I give back without expecting anything in return?” Notice I said, “without expecting anything in return.” If you look for ways to help or give back and expect to get paid, it’s not giving back – it’s a part-time job! There’s nothing wrong with getting paid to work, but I believe giving back is a way you can provide service or even provide expertise in an area that you love or see a need. The possibilities are endless. Giving back is an excellent example of leading in your faith!