One of the most powerful tools you have in pastoral ministry is your example. People are watching your life long before they ever receive from your teaching or counsel. They are listening to how you speak, watching how you respond under pressure, observing how you treat your family, noticing how you handle criticism, and how you walk with Jesus both publicly and privately. Whether you realize it or not, your life is preaching every day.
Jesus has always been concerned with the heart behind the life.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Pastor, your example matters. People may notice your gifting, your personality, or your strengths, but the Lord is examining what is beneath all of that. A biblical example begins internally. When your inward heart is right before the Lord, your outward life will reflect that truth.
At the same time, the Bible is clear that our conduct matters. What you say and how you say it matters. The tone you carry matters. Careless words can wound others deeply and diminish your influence. It’s amazing how many times someone has been hurt because a pastor decided to be careless with their language.
Ephesians 5:3–4 (NKJV) “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.”
A pastor who walks in the Spirit will guard his speech and conduct because he understands that others are following his lead. He’s living the yielded life following the leading of the Spirit.
1 Timothy 4:12–13 (NKJV) “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”
It’s true, a pastor’s example is not limited to one area. Paul tells young Timothy to pay attention to the Word, his behavior, his love, his entire life! There is no separation between your minstry life and personal life. It’s all used to glorify God and should match.
Titus 2:6–8 (NKJV) “In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned.”
Integrity is built over time. It is formed in private obedience and tested in public ministry. You are either strengthening the credibility of the gospel by your life or weakening it. You can’t take any shortcuts here. As one author put it, your ministry life is “a long obedience in the same direction”.
Pastor, don’t underestimate the weight and privilege of your calling. You are shaping how others view spiritual leadership by your outward example. It can be emphasized enough. You and I have the privilege of influencing how believers of all ages will choose to live their lives following Jesus. You are modeling what it means to follow Jesus in real life.
Be careful in your walk with the Lord. People are watching you and looking for a model to follow. Be that model!
Adapted from the book, Sure and Steady by Pastor Ed Taylor. Chapter 22
