The idea of teaching by example presupposes a certain way of living and acting. God’s people are expected to live according to God’s way. In Deuteronomy 4:1, 2, God says other people would look at Israel and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people! For what other nation has a god so near to it as the LORD our God?” (Deuteronomy 4:6-7).

I recently spoke with a rabbi who told me that “just because Jews have a special covenant relationship with God doesn’t mean other people don’t have a relationship with God. Our role is to be an example, so that the world will know God better.” Christians also carry out this mission. Jesus, an observant Jew who was deeply faithful to the traditions he received from those who came before him, called his followers “the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), “the light of the world,” and “a city built on a hill” (Matthew 5:14). Part of the role of being a disciple, a learner and follower of Jesus, is to be an example for the world (Matthew 5:16).

Deuteronomy 4:1-10 reveals what we in the church often call “walking the talk.” Not only are we called to teach, we are called to practice what we teach. We learn the principles of living a good life from the teachings given to us in the Bible, and we learn from other people by watching how they live those principles. As teachers and as learners of our Christian faith, our goal is to be transformed and to transform others. We learn about God, learn what is in the Bible, and learn the disciplines of living a Christian life. We teach in order to transform individuals, communities, and the world.

Adapted from What's in the Bible About Church? © 2008 Abingdon Press