Articles
Finding a Good Role Model
If you watched the Super Bowl, it is likely you saw Peyton Manning’s post-game comments. If you didn’t, you’ve probably heard about them by now. When asked if he was going to retire, Manning declined to answer and said that for that night he was going to “kiss his wife, hug his family and drink a lot of Budweiser.” Manning repeated his plans in another interview later. And in both comments he followed up his three step-plans with his intent to “thank the man upstairs.”
It’s no secret. I am a Peyton Manning fan. He played for my favorite college team. He has been a relatively classy competitor in a sport which often lacks class (see Pacman Jones, Greg Hardy, Ray Rice, etc.). We even named our firstborn after him (yes… it’s true). But I must admit I was more than disappointed to hear Manning explain that he was planning on drinking in celebration. And not just drinking a little—in case you’d like to argue moderation. He was planning on drinking “a lot.”
Manning is just the most recent in a long line of celebrities and athletes who have proven not to be a worthy role model in every area of their life. Certainly it should be pointed out that Manning has done great charity work and there are many good things people can learn from him. But this was a letdown. Or as one friend wrote on Facebook, “…not really the way I want to remember Peyton as he goes out a legend and two-time Super Bowl winner… ruined the moment for me.”
Perhaps the great lesson here for us is to stop idolizing the wrong people. We cannot expect people of the world to be good examples. Who should be role models? Who should we look up to? Who should be examples?
- Those who have gone on before us. The witnesses of Hebrews 12:1–2 serve as great examples for us. Many of those biblical heroes who serve in that capacity are mentioned in Hebrews 11. Instead of pushing your child to be Peyton Manning, have them follow the example of Paul, Peter, Barnabas, David, etc.
- Our shepherds. Peter told his fellow elders to be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1–3). Shepherds are men of high character and deep faith. They are perfectly suited to serve every Christian as a role model and example. We should look up to them.
- Every Christian. Paul told Timothy to be an example, even as a young man (1 Timothy 4:12). If our “youth” should be examples, shouldn’t we all? The burden of living as an example is another discussion. But the point is simple: we should all be able to look at one another as an example.
I am thankful for Manning’s comments for one reason: it reminds me who we should be looking up to. Find good spiritual role models to look up to and to share with your children. God has provided many!
