Our example is important for its direct impact on those we lead, as we also need to understand that we are instruments in God’s hands. We can only be effective as we live holy lives before him. Richard Baxter understood this well, and exhorted his fellow-ministers:
When you are in a holy, heavenly frame of mind, your people are likely to share in the fruits of it. Your prayers, and praises, and teaching will be sweet and heavenly to them. They will feel when you have been much with God: that which is most on your hearts is likely to be most in their ears...Above all, spend much time in secret prayer and meditation. It is from there that you must fetch the heavenly fire which will set alight the work that you offer to God: remember, you cannot grow cold and neglect your duty to your own hurt alone; many others will suffer as well as you. For your people’s sakes, therefore, look to your hearts.1
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.