X-ample

It certainly is. When you set the example, you are going first, meaning you are leading and others are following. Set a good example, and others follow the good example and all is well. Set a bad example, and some will follow your bad example, others will not and there will be confusion and chaos in the ranks.

Example is another invisible force of great importance because the world does need leaders and people need to have behavior exemplified before they act. Without the invisible force of example we truly would have mass chaos.

But bringing this down to personal terms, we need to understand that each of us is a potential exemplar as our acts are observed by others. If we are models of good behavior, others will follow. If we are models of bad behavior, we are only encouraging others to follow our bad behavior.

So example is a fundamental part of character. What example are we setting for our children and grandchildren, our neighbors and acquaintances? The “X” factor tells us that essential to good character is setting the right example.

Discussion

• Who may be looking at you as an exemplar of behavior?