examples

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea...But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. I Corinthians 10:1-6 [portions]

We probably all know the story of the nation of Israel leaving Egypt and their subsequent wilderness wanderings. Paul tells us that we can learn from their decisions make centuries ago. They were our examples. They {the Israelites} were baptized, and ate spiritual meat, and drank of the Rock which was Christ {verses2-4}, but yet they went astray and lusted after evil things-which are described in the verses following. And again in verse 11 we are told that they are an example of what not to do.

A thought that struck me was this: do I see people who claim to be saved being led astray and mock them and their "christianity" or do I see them as an example to me to learn how NOT to lust after evil things as they also lusted? 

[a side note: we should always be in prayer for those we see going astray and confront them Biblically when necessary, love them always, but we should never condemn them on impulse.]

Then another thought came to me that was even more convicting: What am I an example of to others? Do I show others what the rewards are of living a life consecrated to God? Or am I an example that others should heed of the consequences of lusting after evil things? 

the evil things listed 

in verses 7-10 include: 

idolatry {what is getting in my way of serving God with my whole being}

tempting Christ {do I test His goodness through taunting}

murmurings {do I complain or whine when a situation seems impossible or even is just a little different than I desire}

For today: Let my actions for today be as such that those around me {namely, my children} will see the rewards of a life lived for God and also that the one I was made to help {my man} can benefit from those rewards!