Maybe you’ve seen how a popular YouTuber inspires thousands of kids to try a new craft or game. Or perhaps you’ve watched how an older sibling teaches a younger one to ride a bike, play a sport, or get past a tricky level on a video game. Each person learns from someone else and then becomes an example for the next person.

Whether you realize it or not, YOU are an example to someone—either a good example or a bad one! Someone is watching how you treat your parents, how you handle it when you don’t get your way, and how you respond when someone is mean to you.

The apostle Paul wrote something pretty bold: “Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” That sounds kind of prideful, doesn’t it? But Paul explained what he meant: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul’s goal wasn’t to get people to be like him—it was to help them be like Jesus!

Back in Paul’s time, most people couldn’t read, and they didn’t have Bibles in their houses. So the only way they could learn about Jesus was by watching Christians who were trying to live like Him.

Here’s an important question: When people watch your words and actions, if they copy what you do, will they be copying Jesus? Or will they just be copying your bad habits, selfishness, or unkindness?

Take Action: Think about someone younger who might be watching you—maybe a little brother or sister, a younger kid at church, or a neighbor. What would happen if they copied exactly how you act? Would they become more like Jesus or less like Him? Pick one specific way you can be a better example this week (like being more patient, more helpful, or more honest). Remember: Someone is always watching, so make sure they see Jesus in you!