The Importance of a Good Example

Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider developed a close relationship with Johnny Cash and his wife June during filming of the movie Stagecoach, and was especially impressed and inspired by their strong Christian faith.

“I lived with Johnny Cash for a year, and if somebody as rough around the edges as Johnny could say that Jesus was his Savior, there had to be something to it,” Schneider told writer Tammy Leigh Maxey of Pivot Point Magazine in 2011. “If Johnny Cash felt the need to keep a Bible in the trunk of his Mercedes next to his fishing pole, there had to be something to it.”

Neither Johnny nor June ever preached to Schneider, but the way they conducted themselves, interacted with each other, and made God a daily part of and partner in their lives led him to follow suit.

“It was Johnny who led me to Christ,” Schneider said. “He was so different from many of the other Christians I’d seen, and he didn’t fit the stereotypes I had of guys in argyle sweaters happily dancing through the flowers with big smiles on their faces because life was so perfect. I just watched as Johnny’s and June’s lives were held together by the love of Christ.

“Johnny and I would be fishing, and suddenly he’d look at his watch and start heading back to the house, saying something about needing to spend some time with the Lord. It intrigued me that this rough man’s man would have these priorities, and pretty soon I was asking questions, wanting what he had. Johnny and June kept circling and trying to talk sense into me, without being sappy. And it worked. They understood that I had to be ready; so they waited patiently. That was very different from anything I’d seen before.”

Johnny understood the importance of being a good example.

Scripture Reading:

1. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7–8 NLT)

Has your example ever sparked the interest of others? Are people curious about God because of what they see in your conduct and priorities?

2. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16 NKJV)

What is the ultimate goal of your good example and witness for Christ?

3. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35 NKJV)

Love is a key component of your conduct if you want to be a good example for Jesus. Is God’s love apparent in your life?