JOHN SHIRK – Just as positive role models are good examples for us to follow, negative role models show us the dangers of walking in the wrong paths.  We can learn from their example by avoiding the same mistakes. 

This is what the Apostle Paul was emphasizing in First Corinthians 10:6, when he spoke of the bodies of Israel’s forefathers being scattered over the desert. He said, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”  He lists four ways in which they grieved the heart of God.

They committed idolatry and sexual immorality.  They tested the Lord. They also grumbled against God.

Verse 11 says, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us.”  If we heed the warnings of history, we can make better choices in the present that will make an impact on people’s lives for the future, including our own lives. The key is to be guided by Jesus and not by selfish desires.  That is one of the lessons that we can learn from history.

That’s today’s Mission Statement for representing Jesus in the world today. 

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com