The Power of Example
Sacrament meeting talk by Sister Susan Taylor
There is great power in an example particularly in a righteous and faithful example. Much has been said about the importance of example and the influence it can have on others. Elder Delbert L. Stapley, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle said, “I am fully convinced that more attention must be given to matching gospel principles, standards and ideals with Christlike examples in our personal lives if truth and righteousness are to prevail. The world needs more men and women of good moral and spiritual character who will stand firm, steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of God and be living examples of truth and righteousness. The power of example exhibits its strength when men and women live the gospel. For such persons, the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ shines forth from their countenance as a beacon light to draw others into virtues path.”
The scriptures are replete with situations that illustrate the power of example and the influence of righteous behavior on others. Although my focus tonight is on the power of a righteous example, a lot can be learned by looking at the opposite and the influence an unrighteous example can have on others. We all know the story found in the Book Of Mormon of Alma’s son, Corianton, who left his missionary labors and went after the ways of the world in the borders of the Lamanites. Corianton’s unrighteous behavior in of itself was bad enough, but the effect of his behavior was also devastating. Alma expounded to his son, Corianton, as only a father can. (In Alma39:11 we read) ,He said, Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct, they would not believe in my words. And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction:” Alma knew of the power of an unrighteous example and he knew the destruction that could come through setting a poor example. He, himself, along with the sons of Mosiah, were unfortunately, examples of unrighteous behavior in their youth. Alma caused great damage to the church because of his bad example and wicked ways. It says in the scriptures that “he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities, and, he became a great hindrance to the prosperity of the church of God.” Gratefully, through the visit of an angel and his own efforts, he turned his life around and went about tirelessly to repair the consequences of his bad example and to spread the power of a righteous example in all he did.
Emerson, a famous philosopher and writer, profoundly commented on this when he said, “What you are thunders so loudly in my ears, I cannot hear what you say.” In 1 Timothy 4:12 it says, “…be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are all believers–believers in our Savior Jesus Christ and disciples of him. It is incumbent upon us to be an example as this scripture states.
I recently heard two stories that I would like to share with you that show the power of example. The first story shows the power of example in charity and second story shows the power of example in faith. President Hamon of the Hamilton stake presidency, related a story of an experience he had once while staying with his mother-in-law who was not a member of our church but who was a faithful member of the Catholic religion. While in the city one day where his mother-in-law lived, he saw a homeless man on the street. As he walked by, he threw a coin into the man’s cup and walked away feeling pretty good about himself in his charitable attitude towards this man. He didn’t think much else about that incident until the next day while he was waiting for his mother-in-law to return to their car after shopping. He saw her also observe this homeless man as she came out of the store. When she saw the man, she paused and then turned around and went back into the store. While in there she bought the homeless man a meal and a hot drink. She then came out and gave these items to the man. But that wasn’t enough. She stayed and spent some time with this man and talked to him about his life. She related later with great empathy that she had found out that he had lost his job and then also lost his way in life. President Hamon’s mother-in-law then said to her son-in-law, “there but by the grace of God, go we.” President Hamon was deeply humbled and reflected on the charitable example of his mother in law. He stated, that day “I learned from a devout old Catholic woman what King Benjamin was trying to teach as recorded in the Book of Mormon when he said, “aren’t we all beggars? And “when we are in the service of our fellow men we are only in the service of our God.” President Hamon’s mother-in-law set an example that had great power in teaching charity through actions and deed.
The second story I would like to share with you is a story about the power of being an example in faith. This story was told me by Sister Hunt, a missionary currently serving here in the Taranaki District. I have Sister Hunt’s permission to share this story tonight. Sister Hunt is from Western Samoa. Her father was raised as a member of the church but over the years, became less active and eventually became an alcoholic. Sister Hunt’s mother was a convert to the church and had remained faithful through the years and through the time of her husband’s inactivity and alcoholic ways. Sister Hunt’s mother loved her father and wanted the best for him and their family. A number of years ago, as Mother’s Day approached, Sister Hunt’s father asker her mother what she would like for Mother’s Day as a gift. Being a mother myself, I am sure there were several gifts that she needed and would have liked to ask for. However, she said to her husband, “there is nothing that I would like you to buy for me this year. The only thing I want from you for Mother’s Day is for you to come back to church with me and the children and to become an active member of the church again”. This request and the example of Sister Hunt’s mother touched her husband’s heart and he did exactly what his loving wife had requested. He stopped drinking on the spot and never touched alcohol again after that day. He started attending sacrament meeting again and rekindled his faith and testimony that he had let slip away. As he became a righteous priesthood holder and father again, he strengthened their family and led them to the temple where they were sealed together for eternity. Today Sister Hunt’s father is fully engaged in activity in the gospel of Jesus Christ and is serving on the High Council in their stake. His daughter, Sister Hunt, is serving as a faithful full-time missionary and her younger sister is also looking forward to serving a mission. All of this is a product of the beautiful example of her mother and a courageous request for her husband to come back to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sister Hunt’s mother probably only dreamed that her example of faith through the years and her example through her request to her husband that day would bring about the desired results she hoped for. I am sure many prayers had been offered and many tears shed through the years by Sister Hunt’s mother. And perhaps she was even at the point of desperation. But, was the power of her mother’s righteous example important to Sister Hunt’s family? Oh yes, very important. In fact, eternally important. Sometimes, maybe even most times, a faithful example isn’t enough and doesn’t bring about the hoped for results particularly in the time or way we want. But, the best thing we can do is just to go on being an example of righteousness and leave the rest up to the Lord and His timing. And, just sometimes the time is right and the power of a faithful example does work miracles here and now. As Sister Hunt shared this story recently, tears streamed down her face in gratitude and respect for her mother’s example. She expressed what a special month May is for her and how much Mother’s Day means to her each year.
Our stake president in the States, told about a woman in our stake that he was counseling with regarding a wayward family member. This person told our stake president that she felt like her efforts were inadequate and that she wasn’t doing much to help this family member because the person would not allow her to help in any way and that the only thing she could do right now was to set a good example. In relaying this story our wise stake present taught with power and conviction as he said, “we should never feel that setting a righteous example is the least thing we can do. He said, it is not only an important thing to do but it is the most important thing we can do! (Pres. Williams, Grandview East Stake president)
Our Savior, was the ultimate teacher of the power of example. His whole life was spent in setting a righteous example. In the Book of Mormon we read: “The works which have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do; (3 Nephi 27:21) Behold, I am the light; I have set an example for you. (3 Nephi 18:16) May we follow the Savior as we “arise and shine forth that our example of light may be a standard for the nations.”
Additional ideas that could be used in a talk on the Power of Example.
A wise man, when asked to list three cardinal points that exemplified the lives of the great teachers of all time and that would be a guide to new teachers, said: “First, teach by example. Second, teach by example. Third, teach by example.”
In what ways can we be a good example in word and in conversation? In a recent stake conference in Hamilton, President Anderson said, “Our children must never hear us speak with doubt about the Lord’s anointed.” What comes out of our mouths in regards to those whom the Lord has called to lead and guide us is an indication of how we feel about the Lord. Being a good example to our children and our spouse in how we speak about those whom The Lord has called to be our leaders, will not only bless their lives but also bless our own lives. Often we do not know all the reasons why a church leader does what he does or why he makes the decisions he makes. However, the one thing we do know is that our leaders have been called of God and if we are a believer of Jesus Christ, then we are a believer of God. Comments about criticizing others.
Elder Scott’s story about the example of his grandmother in his life. Her example led to Elder Scott’s activity in the church and now he is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Told at General Conference in April 2014.
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