After hours of listening to Elves, Dwarfs, Men, and a Wizard discuss forces greater and more terrible than his small Hobbit self had ever considered, Frodo offers to take the Ring to Mordor. “‘I will take the Ring,’ he said, ‘though I do not know the way’” (Tolkien 270). He is faced with a monumental task: journeying through dark and perilous realms, carrying a burden that tempts him and draws evil things to him along the way. And so, he needs guides and protectors to show him the right way. He needs role models. And don’t we all?
“Therefore, we should not imitate the values, attitudes, and behaviors of those who do not know God or obey His will, but rather seek to emulate those who love God and strive to live according to His principles.”
We’re all–whether or not we like to see ourselves as the diminutive halfling–like Frodo as we enter this wide world. We’ve never done this thing called life before. We’ve never navigated the intricacies of school, of friends, of faith, of society before. So, we need to find people who’ve done it before and learn from them. But there are so, so many voices competing for our attention, many magnified with the influencer’s megaphone. Paul warns us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Therefore, we should not imitate the values, attitudes, and behaviors of those who do not know God or obey His will, but rather seek to emulate those who love God and strive to live according to His principles.
Rather than give you a list of which role models to avoid and who to follow, consider some of these criteria by asking the following questions:
Who is their authority?
Godly role models acknowledge that God is the ultimate authority in their lives and submit themselves to His word and will. They seek to know God’s truth and to apply it to their lives. They are not swayed by human opinions or traditions but test everything by the standard of Scripture. Worldly role models, on the other hand, rely on their own wisdom or follow the trends and fashions of the world. They may ignore or reject God’s word and His will, or twist it to suit their own preferences. They are influenced by what is popular or acceptable in society, rather than what is pleasing to God (Psalm 119:105; Colossians 2:8; James 1:22; James 3:13-18).
Does their purpose and motivation strive for glory on Earth or in Heaven?
Godly role models have a clear telos for their lives: to glorify God and to serve Him and others. They are driven by love and gratitude for what God has done for them, and they seek to honor Him with their talents, resources, and opportunities. They are neither selfish nor greedy, but generous and sacrificial. They are neither proud nor arrogant, but humble and teachable (1 Cor 10:31; Matt 22:37-29; Matt 25:40; Phil 2:3-4). Worldly role models have a different purpose and motivation for their lives: to gratify themselves and to gain power, fame, or wealth. They are driven by lust and greed for what the world offers them, and they seek to use their talents, resources, and opportunities for their own benefit. They are neither generous nor sacrificial, but stingy and exploitative. They are neither humble nor teachable, but proud and arrogant (Prov 16:18; Matt 6:19-21; Acts 8:19-25).
Does their character and conduct reflect Christ-like principles?
Godly role models exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their character and conduct: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). They demonstrate integrity, honesty, justice, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion in their relationships with others. They resist temptation and flee from sin rather than revel in it. They repent when they make mistakes and seek reconciliation when they offend others. Worldly role models exhibit the works of the flesh in their character and conduct: hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and the like (Galatians 5:19-21). They show dishonesty, injustice, cruelty, bitterness, resentment, and indifference in their relationships with others. They indulge in sin and justify their actions. They do not repent when they make mistakes or seek reconciliation when they offend others. More often than not, they may double down on such sin.
Who do we look for?
We should all seek out older people who are willing to mentor and disciple us in our faith journey. Titus 2:2-8 emphasizes the importance of older women and men teaching younger women and men, guiding them to live godly lives that are worthy of respect, not for their economic or social or political domination, but for the good they have done for the Kingdom of God.
Men can benefit from looking up to strong male role models who embody the qualities of godly leadership and responsibility. Consider individuals like Joseph, who displayed unwavering integrity and leadership in challenging situations (Genesis 39:7-23). Men should also look to role models who prioritize their families and demonstrate love, respect, and commitment to their spouses and children. Ephesians 5:25 calls men to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Women can draw inspiration from the many godly women in the Bible, such as Ruth, Esther, and Mary. These women displayed courage, faith, and obedience to God's will. Moreover, Proverbs 31:10-31 provides a beautiful description of a virtuous woman. Look for role models who exhibit qualities like diligence, compassion, and a heart for serving others.
Who do you admire? Who do you look to as a paragon of truth and goodness? Who do you imitate? Do they reflect Godly character? Or do they keep you looking squarely at the things of this world? At TRA, we hope to expose our kids to a wide range of characters through the books we read and the history we study so that, in this safe space, we can guide them through the discernment process. We also hope, as teachers, that we’re living that out for them–we crave your prayers as we attempt to model the Christian life for your kids.
Frodo’s humble admission that he did not know the way was answered eightfold by the people who joined him in his quest (though I think he used discernment in not really listening to the falderal of Merry and Pippin)–cue the swelling music and the promises of swords, bows, and axes. He surrounded himself with and gleaned advice and wisdom from the noble and virtuous people around him (though they were still fallible), preparing him for his noble purpose and guarding him against the wiles and temptations of the Evil One.
-Tyler Howat, Dean of Academics
