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R
Anyone can be a positive example to anyone.
There are many really interesting stories out there of people being lead to Christ in unexpected ways. Like someone who said LOVING Ayn Rand taught him how to think critically and objectively, which prepared him to understand the truth of the Bible. Or others who say the world of science fiction opened up their minds to possibilities far beyond what we can see and touch in the here and now.
Nonbelievers ARE misguided, however God can use anyone and anything to lead someone to His Truth. Once a nonbeliever has lead us there, we can turn around and do the same for them.
There are many really interesting stories out there of people being lead to Christ in unexpected ways. Like someone who said LOVING Ayn Rand taught him how to think critically and objectively, which prepared him to understand the truth of the Bible. Or others who say the world of science fiction opened up their minds to possibilities far beyond what we can see and touch in the here and now.
Nonbelievers ARE misguided, however God can use anyone and anything to lead someone to His Truth. Once a nonbeliever has lead us there, we can turn around and do the same for them.
P
Well in my experience the main difference is that I can't connect with non-believers on the same level as I can with Christians. The simple reason being that non-believers simply don't understand why I, for instance, wouldnt have sex before marriage, or why I pray to someone I cannot see. There is no real reason why a non-believer can't be a good example, they just can't help you progress spiritually.
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Non believers can be great role models. Take Marilyn Manson for example. No one has helped me to appreciate great art and love life more than he. I have met him several times, and I always make sure to thank him for truely enriching me as a person and helping me gain perspective and knowledge through his lyrics and message. I have enjoyed a higher level of intellect since being exposed to Marilyn Manson. I think he is a wonderful man and role model. Grossly misunderstood, but that can be expected. All the great geniuses are misunderstood.
Y
Of the answers given, your understanding here has a solid foundation. We are to love our neighbors, and to find good were good can be found.
There is an Old Testament law which states that God's people are not to partake of a creature whose life remains in him or her. When we hear the expression, "The old man is dead" or "I crucify my flesh (nature) daily" speaks of the nature of a man which has been slain by the Word of God. This is what was shown to Peter in a vision where unclean creatures were lowered and then taken back up; at the same time there were people sent to Peter who also were considered unclean to Peter according to law. And Peter noted this law when he said they were unclean (creatures). But our Lord said that what He has made clean, no man shall call unclean; And the He said, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat." In other words, we cannot become food for God's people until our nature is slain by the Word of God.
A good role model is someone whose traits we follow after. In the sense that we are to find good, is to work good into the day. Jesus said that a person knows how to give good gifts; but He also indicates that the same time, how much greater the gift of eternal life!
In as much as a non believer knows how to do good in a worldly sense, our own lives should also portray to that person; there is a better way to consider the things he or she does. We know a person is going in the wrong direction if he believes he is justified in the things he does in the presence of his friends and neighbors, and has no need to repent of his sins. This is where we need to exercise caution because of the difference between what seems right to a man, and the obedience of God's people.
B
The fundamental difference between a believer and a non-believer is that the believer has chose to accept Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior of his life and allowed the Holy Spirit into his life.
A non-believer can be a good role model for a believer, except that the believer may not follow totally because he/she wants to live a spirit-led life which includes praying for the needy, avoiding things which the Bible is against and most important, sharing his/her faith to the unbelievers. And these traits may not be part of the good role model demonstrated by a non-believer.
That said, I have many good unbelieving friends around me...
A non-believer can be a good role model for a believer, except that the believer may not follow totally because he/she wants to live a spirit-led life which includes praying for the needy, avoiding things which the Bible is against and most important, sharing his/her faith to the unbelievers. And these traits may not be part of the good role model demonstrated by a non-believer.
That said, I have many good unbelieving friends around me...
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The biggest thing is his/her morals and world-view will be different from that of the believer. There are some "good" non-believers, but it doesn't exclude the fact they do not know God and may drink or smoke only on special occasions (which is still a bad role model) or not at all. I think it is ok to be acquaintances with the non-believer but certainly not marry them or become close friends. It would however, be nice to try and reach out and show these people that they are missing out by giving them a role model, and hopefully bring them to Christ.
Rather we are to be an example...
So it should be inverted... why can't we be role-models to non-believers?
Rather we are to be an example...
So it should be inverted... why can't we be role-models to non-believers?