C.S. Lewis said, "Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is..." We can't watch our backs enough. Our true identities will always be found out, and chances are, we'll never witness the scope of our influence. Like a stone thrown into the water, casting ripples in every direction, even those who don't know our names are bound to be touched by the impact of our lives. Therefore, I challenge you to consider ways you can be the best role model possible:

• Be genuine. If you're truly a good role model, you'll set the same example with family as you will in public with friends.
• Don't be a people pleaser. It's all too easy to be motivated to set a good example by wanting to impress others. However, other people are human too. They're bound to disappoint. Paul wrote, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10) We should want to set an example, but only for the glory of God.
• Be willing to take the back seat. In John 13:1-20, in the act of washing His disciples' feet, Christ proved that leadership requires servanthood. "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.." (John 13:14) If the Son of God did this, how can we do less?
  

What role models have impacted your life? How have they done so? What characteristics have defined their leadership?