The Lasting Impact of Having Role Models and Being One to Others

Role models are important. What’s also important to note, is that you are often a role model to others without realizing it.

Think about the magnitude of that; every action and reaction you have is being observed. In addition to being watched by someone else, the observer is determining if you are worthy of being imitated.

Like it or not, you are a leader and have an influence on those within your sphere.

It’s both exciting and terrifying. I share this as an introduction to the study of Edwards’ resolution #54.

Jonathan Edwards Resolution 54

I perused Edwards’ journal for the date that accompanies this resolution. Interestingly, there is no entry for that date (July 8, 1723). There are entries for July 5th and 11th, as well as dates before and after those. Though it may be buried in the notes elsewhere, I find no reference to the creation or editing of the 54th resolution.

About this time, he does note developing the 50th resolution and editing resolutions 58-63. As I read through some of the entries around this time, Edwards appears to be enduring some struggles with interpersonal relationships. Seemingly, it leads him to inquire of his own personal character and eternal state.

That’s why it’s probable, in this case, that Edwards is resolving to be the observer. So, let’s start there.

Identify Your Role Models

Certainly, as Edward shows, everyone has the capacity to be a role model. In my life, I have had this awareness. Here are some examples.

Mrs. R and Stability

First, while I was in second grade, I connected a new family that had moved into my neighborhood. This family consisted of a single-mom, a son who was near to my age, and two daughters. They entered my life at just the right time; a divine cross-roads, really. You see, as this family was doing everything right and making strides that some would call “on the way up,” my own family was derailing.

They saved my life because they fed me in many ways and provided for me in areas where I was poverty-stricken. That’s not just about food or money. It’s not material possessions. It’s relational.

The mom of this new family – Mrs. R – was a well-placed soul in my life at the right time. She pretty much adopted me as a fourth child, instilling upright character seeing to it that I had positive self-worth. And Mrs. R also took the time to know my own mother, talked with her about her struggles and offered a source of counsel that was grounded in sincere reality and care. She exhibited a rare integrity and empathy few others can match. She provided a stability I would never have otherwise experienced.

Mrs. Z and Nourishment

Another role model is Mrs. Z – a teacher who (in addition to teaching me much about personal community involvement) saw I was not eating school lunches. It was during my sixth-grade year, and (I believe) she covertly got me established for free lunches. That moment changed my life and taught me a lot about taking action when I see a wrong.

JW and Encouragement

A third divinely placed role model is JW. He was a successful man with a great family. Despite a demanding career, he always made time for his family. And I spent a lot of time being influenced by him and them. I’ll always remember summer neighborhood wiffle ball games in his yard. When I took my turn to bat, he’d exaggerate a fear of my hitting prowess. Regardless of whether I got a monster hit or an absolute failure of a swing – he followed-up with an encouraging word. I was visible to JW.

Mr. C and Discipline

Another man to whom I was visible was Mr. C, a neighbor and family friend. One day, I was cutting through his yard. I’d picked up a stick that had fallen from the tree, and viewing myself as Zorro, I swung it. I listened to the whir of wind and chopped at things. And then I came upon Mr. C’s prized tulips. He was none too happy that I had prematurely dead-headed his flowers and… well, read that story here.

Consider The Lasting Impact of Your Role Models

One of the greatest blessings of anyone’s life is the lives that also exist within it. I think we all know this to be inherently true. It’s why we experience sadness and empathy for misers and loners. It’s why solitary confinement is such an extreme (an perhaps inhumane) punishment.

In my life, I have been blessed with well more than the four folks I’ve introduced. They just happen to be some of the most impactful examples. No doubt there are many others.

But it’s that impact that provokes me to single them out. You see…

• Mrs. R saw me, saw that I was broken, and cared enough to provide stability.
• Mrs. Z saw me, saw that I was broken, and cared enough to see that I was nourished.
• JW saw me, saw that I was broken, and cared enough to grant encouragement.
• Mr. C saw me, saw that I was broken, and cared enough to discipline.

These individuals took the time to help restore areas where I was poverty-stricken. I like to think I am who I am today because of these people and people like them.

Consider Your Lasting Impact

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

John 17:20-23 NLT

I imagine that everyone can look back on their lives, and the lives that have been in them, to identify similar positive impacts. So ask the question: can you be the well-placed divine encounter in people’s lives?

We each have an opportunity to have the same type of lasting impact. Pay attention to those in your sphere. These are people who long to be visible. To be valued and restored. Being that soul to help kickstart the momentum for restoration… that’s compassion.

That’s genuine love.

So remember your character – and make a connection!

Each and every day.