"Examples to the Flock"

Are there individuals in the congregation today who can serve as examples for us? Certainly there are!  Brothers in appointed positions of responsibility must especially set an example. Paul told Titus, who served congregations in Crete and who appointed overseers, that each appointed elder must be a "man free from accusation." (Titus 1:5, 6) The apostle Peter similarly admonished "older men" to become "examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:1-3) And what about those serving as ministerial servants?  They must likewise be "men who minister in a fine manner." -1 Timothy 3:13. 

Of course, it is not realistic to expect that every elder or ministerial servant will be outstandingly skillful in every aspect of the Christian ministry. Paul told   the Christian in Rome:   "We have gifts differing according to the undeserved kindness given to us." (Romans 12:6) Different brothers excel in different areas. It is not reasonable to expect that elders will do and say everything in a perfect manner.  "We all stumble many times," says the Bible at James 3:2.  "If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also his whole body."  In spite of their imperfections, however, elders can still, like Timothy, "become [examples] to the faithful ones in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness."  (1 Timothy 4:12) When elders do so, those in the flock will readily apply the admonition of Hebrews 13:7)  "Remembers those who are taking the lead among you, . . .and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith. 

Next time: Other Modern-Day Examples

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000