~ written by Connie Dunmyer
Watch this video before you begin reading. I promise, it's relevant.
What does it mean to be an example?
In 1 Peter 5, Peter begins by speaking to elders. I think it can be easy to “pass off that section” as being for “other people”. It IS appropriate to think of “elders” as a specific position within the church. However, is it not also appropriate to think of “elder” as being anyone who has some Christian experience under their belt? Someone who has lived life with Jesus for a period of time? Oh I know we all struggle. None of us are perfect. Certainly not me. And perhaps I don’t really think of myself as an “elder Christian”. But I wonder if that’s not more about me not wanting the responsibility rather than me identifying myself correctly. Even as a pastor’s wife, I had ignored parts of this passage.
But today, I am applying it to me. And as such, let’s see what God has to say.
2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over [controlling] those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock…
Each of us has a sphere of influence. Oh yes you do too! Large or small, God has given each a sphere of influence. Think of the people you come in contact with . . . a spouse, our children / grandchildren, our neighbors, the checkout girl at the market, the co-worker who drives you crazy, the guy that just flipped you off in traffic . . . we all have people we are the told to ‘BE EXAMPLES’ to and to serve.
Quick Greek Lesson (it'll be fun!!):
The word “example” in this verse is the Greek word “typoi”. It comes from the word “tupto” which means to “thump” with repeated blows. Typoi specifically means a die (as in striking a die), a stamp, scar or shape; to create a resemblance, model or pattern. This specific Greek word for example is used only twice in the entire Bible – here & in 1 Corinthians 10:6. I find that interesting. Why would God use this particular word when telling me to be an example?
If you watched the video above in its entirety, you saw the amazing changes made to this hunk of metal over time as it is repeatedly “thumped”. Could it be that I am being thumped INTO an example . . . INTO a pattern? And could it also be possible that I can only be an example to someone else by consistently “thumping” into someone else? (I’m not talking Bible-thumping. That’s another thing entirely.)
But is it possible that God is making the point that:
- I am being thumped by The Example (Jesus). Take a look at the video again and tell me if you don’t feel like this sometimes. I used to call it being hit upside the head with a 2x4 – but now, I think I have a different perspective. I’m being reshaped into a useful tool.
- But also, WE are to BE examples by a constant thumping of being Jesus to our sphere of influence over an extended period of time. It is not a “one and done” thing. Time and consistency matter. We can create the “pattern” in others by BEING that pattern over and over and over again.
So being an example (which we are all called to be) is not meant to be a short-term, quick, in-and-out, microwave, fast-food, ask-google kind of thing. It takes time and practice to “be that example”, the typoi – to take the repeated blows – to stamp or create a shape – it takes time and practice!
And it takes the Holy Spirit.
I have some bad habits in my life. You might relate to this. The more I feed those habits, the more “natural” they become in me. And so it requires the Holy Spirit to 1) show me that habit that needs to change; and 2) help me do it – to help thump it out of me.
One habit I’ve had for as long as I can remember is grumbling under my breath. And it may surprise you, but there have been times when my beloved husband of 47 years has done and/or said some things that I haven't particularly appreciated. And so if I was upset about that something, I wouldn’t necessarily say anything out loud – but I'd walk away grumbling under my breath. Psalm 106:25 ; John 6:43 ; 1 Corinthians 10:10 ; Philippians 2:14 ; James 5:9 ; 1 Peter 4:9 ; Jude 1:16
The Lord told me that habit was affecting my thoughts and feelings and my marriage; and that it was on me.
Changing was a process. It took time. It even took confession. But eventually that habit was “thumped” out of me. Every time I would even start to grumble, I’d stop, I’d repent of it, tell God I was sorry. And, I would apologize to my husband. Confession really IS good for the soul. It’s a good “humble thumping” and would help keep me from grumbling next time I was tempted to do so.
It took a surprisingly short amount of time before I realized that I was living a much more positive life, and that I hardly ever wanted to grumble anymore. My marriage felt young, bright and free again. I would grin at things that used to drive me crazy. And when I would be tempted to grumble – I would simply hug him for “no reason”.
I confess this to you, not because it’s something I'm proud of or to say "look at me" – but to hopefully be an example of the grace God can give to anyone who will ask. And if you ever see me grumble – I hope you call me on it. Because here’s what I’ve found: I am human; I will mess up; but if I lean on the Holy Spirit for help, guidance, and direction – my life is naturally going to improve.
I no longer fear a good “thumping”, because I know my Father loves me and knows what’s best for me. And I no longer look at it as a 2x4 hitting me upside the head. That picture was never really of a good Father anyway, was it? No – rather, He has given me The Great Example in Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to daily help, nudge, push, and educate me into His best life for me.
So go forth - and be ye thumped by the Spirit!
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© 2025: Connie F. Dunmyer, All Rights Reserved.