It's common that we have influences in our life but as we grow mature in Christ we start to discover who we are in Him. Many times we're looking to others for validation when our true validation comes from Christ.
In the process of seeking the approval of others we lose focus on where the true validation comes from. Because of this, some people start to emulate the behaviors of people that they look up to.
I believe that there is nothing wrong with looking up to others, the concern that I have is what types of people are we looking up to? Do you take into consideration the types of people and role models you have in your life?
I think that we should look inside and ask ourselves these important questions. We should choose to expose ourselves to role models who have a positive impact on our lives. When we think of role model type figures, we should think of someone who models the fruit of the Spirit.
The bible tells us in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."
Are we exemplifying this behavior? We should aspire to represent the fruit on a consistent basis. I believe that it's time that we as believers are to step up and take on the responsibility of exemplifying these Christlike behaviors.
The world is looking at us and they are looking for us to show the love, peace and kindness that Jesus commands us to show. We hear so many stories about people who were in the church and made a judgment on the church based on there experience. Unfortunately, the people of the church have been stereotyped as being hypocritical.
Lets be an example for others who need to see that positive role model. For some people you're the only Jesus they're going to see. I encourage you to practice modeling the fruit of the Spirit as you go forth in your life journey.