Have you ever heard any of the following "Christian Maxims?"

"If you are going to talk the talk then you need to walk the walk."

"Do as I do is more powerful than simply do as I say."

"If you want to have followers then you need to be a leader."

Or my favorite:

"Your life is so loud; I cannot hear what you are saying."

Whether corny or poignant they all attempt to address the concept of EXAMPLE. Today students (and adults for that matter) are looking for authenticity in leadership. They want to see and are willing to follow someone who is real or genuine.

The whole concept of being a role model has been skewed by many in leadership who do not live lives of excellence. They are an EXAMPLE but the wrong kind. Being an EXAMPLE means saying yes when others say no, saying no when others say yes, being willing keep giving when others give up, embracing a challenge when others let go, demonstrating submission when others rebel, allowing God to lead rather than being self-sufficient,  and being willing to live above reproach.  

I feel confident the Apostle Paul was looking piercingly into people's eyes - not at the ground or out into space - when he said, "Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ."(1 Corinthians 11:1) Now that is EXAMPLE! You can do that when your life speaks as loudly as your words.