I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life (John 13:15-17 MSG).

I’ve mentioned before being a rule follower, so when growing up I was told not to do something, I generally listened. I especially paid attention when I saw others not following the rules and getting into trouble of various kinds. I made mental notes to not follow their examples.

• Don’t talk while the teacher is talking, or your seat will be moved to the corner. 
• Don’t hit your brother, or you’ll have to do his chores. 
• Don’t be late to band practice, or you’ll run laps. 
• Don’t get pregnant in high school because it’ll make your life harder. 
• Don’t drink, and don’t do drugs because they can lead to addiction.

I filed all those things (and more) away under the category “What NOT to do,” and I vowed to never find myself in any of the same situations.

Bad examples became a guide of sorts for my life, and as I navigated my teen years, I realized that was becoming a problem. Sure, I knew what I didn’t want to do and how I didn’t want to be or act. I knew how I didn’t want to end up…but how was I supposed to figure out how I DID want to live my life?

That’s when I started looking for more good examples, and sure enough, I found them! 

I noticed my mom’s seemingly endless supply of grace when my brothers and I didn’t do what she asked right away. (I never said I was a *perfect* rule follower!