Growing up, most of us are blessed to have someone in our lives that we can look up to and say, "That's the type of person I want to be." We are all given natural role models, such as our parents, older siblings, teachers, coaches, and the list goes on. As our model for acceptable behavior, we naturally believe these people can do no wrong. Yet, they are only human. As we grow older, we unexpectedly find that we are meant to be role models as well, whether we asked for it or not.
I finally realized that I was growing into my stage of being a role model when I was seventeen years old. When I was sixteen, I was overjoyed to learn that I was going to be an aunt. My nephew was finally born in late February, then my niece followed 6 weeks later. A year flew by as I watched the two babies grow so quickly right before my eyes. However, as both learned to talk, my eyes were suddenly opened to the fact that they watched and listened to me in order to learn what was acceptable. One day, I simply jokingly told my older brother to "shut up," as siblings often do. Just a few minutes later, much to my horror, my nephew was toddling around telling everyone to shut up under his breath. It didn't take long before both my nephew and niece repeated every cuss word that accidentally slipped out of my mouth. For the first three years of their lives, I was concerned that I was not fit to be a role model, though I loved them so very much.
Though I have come to realize that I will never be perfect, this is a concern that has followed me into college. On my campus, I am a student leader. I spend many hours trying to mentor a group of twelve students, while also mentoring a group of ten girls who live on my hall, most of whom are freshmen. In these roles, I am meant to behave in a Christ-like manner. While this is a way I want to live my entire life, I often feel as if there is no room for mistakes in my execution of this lifestyle. Those of us who are leaders tend to believe that we are not allowed to be weak, but must be strong for those we lead. This becomes problematic since we are only human and are completely imperfect. Despite my shortcomings, I find that I enjoy having an influence, even in minuscule ways.
No matter what we do, as followers of Christ, we are all meant to be role models. We are meant to show the world how to behave in a Christ-like manner. Most of us, unless there is someone out in the world who is miraculously flawless, will fall short of this role sometimes. However, there is good news. The moments where we succeed bring a new level of satisfaction. Nothing compares to having the ability to watch people grow in their relationship with Christ, knowing that you had a role in that, even if it was the smallest role. In fact, according to God, no one role is greater than another. We all have an equal responsibility to further the kingdom of Heaven. Even those who are meant to lead us have the ability to be led by us, which I find to be such a fascinating concept about leadership under God.
So, whenever you feel like you fail miserably at being a positive role model, have no fear! We all feel that way at times, but in reality, it is just us being hard on ourselves. In a way, this is the mark of a solid, influential role model. If I was not hard on myself, I would never try to push myself to be better for the ones I lead. If I can't continue to grow and be positive for them, I'm not showing the love I have for them. The most important question we can ask ourselves is: How do I want people to perceive me? For me, the answer is simple. I want my nephew and niece, my students, and others in my life to see a patient, kind, gentle, and loving human being who lives for the Lord. This is the way I can be an influential role model. When you feel like nothing you do is good enough, trust me, you are more than good enough. You are perfect for your role because that is where God has placed you.
