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November 04, 2007

Role Models in the Faith

Luke 18:9-14, Philippians 4:10-20

What is a role model? Someone who does something very well and they do it over a significant period of time. In our world right now we have this notion of the 15 minutes of fame that many people radiate toward. So it is important to remember that anyone can do something spectacular once. But it is a special person who can do it over and over again. And while they are doing whatever it is they do very well, they do it in a way that generates admiration and respect. A role model is someone you look up to, aspire to be, use as a measuring stick for yourself. A role model is someone you can learn from, find inspiration in.

Some role models are universal and others are particular. For example, Hank Aaron has universal appeal as a role model for how to play the game of baseball. He broke many baseball records and he did it with class and style. Depending on which city you grew up in and how old you are, you have your own particular role models in the game—maybe you love the sluggers—David Ortiz or Babe Ruth; the pitchers—Greg Maddox or Sandy Koufax; the sturdy, everyday guy like Cal Ripken.

The other thing about Role Models is that we can find them in every area of life.
If you’re into the financial world, Warren Buffett might be your role model.
Music—Rock and Roll—the Rolling Stones, The Beatles;
Classical—Beethoven; Country Music—The Dixie Chicks or Johnney Cash
Computers—Bill Gates; Fashion—Gloria Vanderbilt or Polo

When I think of universal role models in the world of religion many come to mind—Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul II, Billy Graham, and Mother Theresa. I lift up MLK Jr. because of his peaceful approach to the civil rights struggle. Pope John Paul II because of his heart for all people and the way he reached out across political and religious lines to try to bridge gaps. Billy Graham, while you might not appreciate his style, he was an ethical man who didn’t get caught up in his own power. Mother Theresa’s work and legacy are much more human now with the recent revelations about her personal struggles.

And while we can think of universal people who have set the standard for all these worlds, for most of us, it is the people we come into contact with on a regular basis who probably have more influence on us as role models.

As I look back on my life, I realize that I had many positive role models in my growing up years—my parents, my god-mother, and my paternal grandparents. In my 30’s as I evaluated my life I looked for role models who were on a spiritual path. I looked for people who spoke of God and how God was influencing their life choices. I was blessed to have a couple people like that who had a positive influence on my life, whether they knew it or not.

An important question to ask ourselves is where do we look for our role models? As a clergy person, I often look toward other clergy persons for role models. How are they faithfully following God in their call? What are they doing that is working in their life and it is something that I’d like to do? I was a student at Prince of Peace UMC and worked with Rev. Bonnie Campbell. She taught me so much about being an effective pastor. She and I are very similar in our approach, so I would say that Bonnie has been a role model for me. But I don’t stop there.

As I grow and change, so does who I look to as a role model. I have a lot of respect for Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC in Ohio. Most UM pastors have heard about the success Mike was having. A couple years ago, a group of us went to a two-day conference Mike was putting on for pastors. It was based on his new book, Momentum for Life. Anyway, I went there with the idea that “Here’s someone that I probably won’t like. He’s so successful, he’s probably full of himself.”

Well that turned out not to be true. Mike and his wife were vulnerable with us. They shared that yes, they had built a large church and were bringing people to Christ. But their own marriage was crumbling because they weren’t working at it—they were pouring everything they had into the church. A couple years later, their marriage was on solid ground and their spiritual lives where stronger too.

In order for someone to be a role model, we have to have a sense of who they are and how they do things. That’s why people in the spotlight are so convenient to use as role models. We get to observe them and we get a sense that we know them—even if that is a persona that is being put forth. That might work in some areas of life, but for our spiritual journey, we are on solid ground when we know the person on a more intimate basis.

This brings me to our scripture reading this morning. Jesus tells us a story about a Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee is a religious leader. He teaches in the synagogues. He wears special clothes to set himself apart. The people recognize the Pharisee as a man of God. Likewise, the people all know who the tax collectors are in their town. The tax collectors where Jews, like themselves. They collected taxes from the people on behalf of the Roman Government, keeping a portion of the taxes for themselves. They were not liked by the Jewish people. In fact, they were despised.

Notice how Jesus positions the two men. The religious leader is self-confident and self-righteous in his assessment of himself and less than generous toward others. You get the impression that the Pharisee thinks that he’s made it because of the position he holds and what he does. On the other hand, the tax collector has come before God seeking forgiveness and help. He is uncertain of his fate but comes before God hoping God will intervene on his behalf.

This passage offers us two guidelines about role models. First, the people we want as role models in our life are those people who are willing to admit they don’t have all the answers. We need role models who realize they are not self-reliant. Healthy role models are people who realize and acknowledge God’s presence in their lives. They remember to give God the glory for their achievements and blessings. They’ve had help along the way and they are willing to help others, to share their story. In other words, they have some humility.

Secondly, we must be discerning and look beyond first impressions. People who can teach us something don’t all stand in the spotlight. The tax collector was a marginalized person and yet, Jesus indicated that this man was the one we should emulate. I am reminded of my grandparents—and so many other clergy couples. The pastor is the one in the limelight, teaching and preaching. That was my grandfather. And yet, it was my grandmother who taught me about being a Christian. I learned how to be a person of faith from observing and listening to her as she lived her life. She was around longer than he was, and she was also more available. She asked me questions and tried to help me be faithful. Even though much of what I learned from her, I didn’t put into practice right away. I think of her as a strong role model in my Christian faith, to this day.

It’s not that people in the spotlight can’t be good role models. They can. But we need to be careful not to put people on a pedestal because when we do, they will inevitably disappoint us or break our heart because no one is perfect. The role model, who we get to know on an intimate basis, will be more real to us and thus more human. And when we stumble and fall, we’ll have a reminder that we’re not so different from others who are just trying to live a faithful life.

A good example of being open to role models from the margins is the story of Stephanie Wilson. She was being interviewed on the radio yesterday. She is not your typical role model—she was a single mother at 15 years old. She was being interviewed because of her financial success (she’s a millionaire), but something that she said caught my attention. Stephanie had more than her share of tough times. Abuse by family members, forced to get her high school diploma from home because she was a teenage mother, and divorced from an abusive husband.

When asked how she made it to be so successful, Stephanie attributed it to her ability to see herself be successful, confronting her past and forgiving those who hurt her, hard work, and God’s presence in her life. When she had very little, she said she gave what she could back to God. She said she believed in tithing—giving God his 10%. In order to receive, Stephanie said, you have to be willing to give. And give back she does.

Rich Kraneis, our financial chairperson, and I have been spending time together working on our 2008 budget and on the space sharing agreements with the organizations who use this building. Rich has brought up George Thompson’s name in a few conversations. Not because of the large gift that George gave to this church. But because of the way George expressed his faith in his daily interactions and Rich observed this.

Who has influenced you, been a role model for your spiritual journey? Have they been people you have an intimate knowledge of or do you see them from a distance? Are you drawn to people who are in the spotlight or to people on the sidelines? God continues to teach us if we are open to the lessons that come from all sorts of people. This day, we celebrate the people in our lives that have helped shape us into the people we are today. May we continue to be open to the new people God will put in our lives to show us the spiritual path that leads to Him and his dreams for our life.

Posted by vickie at 10:00 AM