Toward Admiration

From 1st Corinthians chapter 11: 1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.

Can you say that - follow me as I follow Christ?  This is a challenging thought - does the way we live our lives produce a desire for others to emulate our attitudes, our posture, and our behavior?    I was thinking about the whole question of living an admirable life, in light of the latest Gallup poll on Most Admired Women and Man that was recently released...

No surprise, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama continue to be named by Americans as the Most Admired Woman and Most Admired Man living today in any part of the world, according to the Gallup organization.  Clinton has been the Most Admired Woman each of the last 10 years, and Obama has been the Most Admired Man four years in a row.   It's not uncommon to see a current or past President at the top of the men's list or a First Lady - present or past - in the top slot.   In fact, that's certainly the case this year.

Most Admired Woman of 2011:

Most Admired Man

I must call attention to the highest-ranked non-politician on the men's list:  Rev. Billy Graham...listen to this - He has never finished first, but has been in the top 10 more than any other man -- 55 times since 1955. He has finished as high as second place, which he has done on eight occasions. After Graham, Reagan is next with 31 top 10 finishes, while Pope John Paul II, Jimmy Carter, Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Harry Truman, and Bill Clinton have had 20 or more.   2 other religious leaders appeared on the men's list:  Pope Benedict and Morman church leader Thomas Monson.   And, as I have stated numerous times, I believe Oprah to be a religious leader; perhaps one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the last 25 years - placing #2 on this year's list.

So, what makes a person admirable?   In the Gallup universe, position plays a key role, no doubt...witness the huge margin of victory for Obama and Hillary.   And, publicity is also a key factor - if a person has high media visibility and is known for positive exploits, that is a huge plus.   But, in order to qualify as "admirable", there has to be some sort of character traits worthy of emulation, I believe.  

From a Christian worldview perpsective, I think Billy Graham is a great example of character for us as Christians - a holy life, lived without hypocrisy, inspiring others, firm in conviction, but loving in delivery.    In the culture at large, faith may not be a qualification for making the list, but in the kingdom of God, if we are to be truly admirable, living lives worthy of imitation, reliance on the power and presence of God is what can mold our character so that we can be able to point others to Him.