Choosing the Right Role Model as a Christian Youth
Choosing the Right Role Model as a Christian Youth
A Guide to Staying Aligned with God's Teachings and Avoiding Worldly Influences
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” - Proverbs 13:20
In today's digital age, where social media influencers and celebrities dominate the attention of young people, the question of who we follow and emulate has never been more critical. Every day, Christian youth are bombarded with images, messages, and lifestyles that contradict biblical values. Popular culture promotes materialism, sensuality, rebellion against authority, and the pursuit of fame and pleasure above all else. Many young people—even those raised in Christian homes—find themselves drawn to celebrities and influencers who may be talented, attractive, or entertaining but who do not fear God or live according to His Word. This is dangerous. The Bible teaches that we become like those we follow. If we choose role models who reject God's authority, we will inevitably drift away from our faith and compromise our values.
God's Word is clear about the importance of choosing wise companions and godly examples. Proverbs 13:20 warns: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” The people we associate with—whether in person or through media consumption—shape our thinking, values, and behavior. If we spend our time following celebrities who promote worldly values, we will gradually adopt those same values, often without even realizing it. Conversely, if we choose godly role models who love Christ and live according to His Word, we will be strengthened in our faith and encouraged to pursue holiness. The stakes are high. The choices young people make about who they follow and emulate will significantly impact their spiritual trajectory, their moral character, and ultimately their eternal destiny.
In this comprehensive study, we will examine what God's Word teaches about choosing role models. We will look at the ultimate role model—Jesus Christ—and contrast His example with the empty promises of worldly celebrities. We will explore why following ungodly influences is dangerous, how to identify godly role models, and what practical steps Christian youth can take to guard their hearts and minds against corrupting influences. Most importantly, we will see that the decision to follow Christ and godly examples, rather than worldly celebrities, is not about missing out on fun or being different just for the sake of being different. It's about pursuing the abundant life God offers, protecting ourselves from destructive influences, and fulfilling the unique purpose God has for each of us.
Jesus Christ Is the Ultimate Role Model
Before we examine any human role model, we must establish that Jesus Christ is the supreme example for every Christian. Let us look at what Scripture teaches about following Christ.
Christ Left Us an Example to Follow
1 Peter 2:21 declares: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” Jesus didn't just save us from sin—He left us an example of how to live. We are called to follow in His steps, to pattern our lives after His. What was Jesus' example? He lived in perfect obedience to the Father (John 8:29). He was humble, not seeking His own glory (Philippians 2:5-8). He loved sacrificially, even laying down His life for others (John 15:13). He served rather than demanding to be served (Mark 10:45). He resisted temptation and never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He loved God's Word and lived by it (Luke 4:4). This is the example every Christian, especially every Christian youth, should follow.
John 13:15 records Jesus saying: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” After washing His disciples' feet, Jesus told them to follow His example of humble service. 1 John 2:6 instructs: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” If we claim to follow Christ, we must walk as He walked—in obedience, holiness, love, and service. Colossians 2:6-7 commands: “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith.” We must be rooted in Christ, built up in Him, and established in faith through following His example.
Following Christ Means Rejecting Worldly Values
Jesus made clear that following Him requires rejecting the values of this world. Matthew 16:24 records: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Following Christ means self-denial, not self-promotion. It means sacrifice, not self-indulgence. Luke 9:23 adds: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This is a daily commitment, not a one-time decision. Following Jesus means dying to our selfish desires and living for God's glory.
John 15:19 records Jesus saying: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Following Christ will make you different from the world. The world will not celebrate or affirm you for following Jesus. Romans 12:2 commands: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” We must not conform to worldly patterns but be transformed by God's Word. This means our role models should reflect Christ's values, not the world's values.
The Danger of Following Ungodly Role Models
Following celebrities and influencers who do not fear God brings serious spiritual dangers. Let us examine what Scripture warns about ungodly influences.
Bad Company Corrupts Good Character
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Bad company—including the celebrities we follow on social media and the content we consume—corrupts good character. We may think we're strong enough to watch ungodly content or follow immoral celebrities without being influenced, but Scripture says we're deceiving ourselves. The influence is real and corrupting. Proverbs 22:24-25 instructs: “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” We learn the ways of those we associate with, even if that association is only through media consumption.
Psalm 1:1 pronounces blessing on the person who does not walk in ungodly counsel: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Following ungodly influencers means walking in their counsel, standing in their way, and sitting in their seat. This brings a curse, not a blessing. Proverbs 4:14-15 warns: “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” We must actively avoid and turn away from wicked influences. This requires discernment and intentional choices about who we follow and what we consume.
Worldly Values Lead to Spiritual Destruction
Many celebrities promote values that directly oppose God's Word—materialism, sexual immorality, pride, rebellion against authority, and living for pleasure. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” The materialistic lifestyle promoted by many celebrities leads not to happiness but to destruction and sorrow. When young people make these celebrities their role models, they adopt the same destructive values.
Matthew 6:19-21 warns: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Many celebrities treasure earthly things—wealth, fame, beauty, pleasure. When we make them our role models, we learn to treasure the same things, and our hearts follow. Proverbs 14:12 cautions: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” The glamorous lifestyle of celebrities may seem appealing, but it leads to death—spiritual, emotional, and sometimes physical.
Following the World Compromises Your Witness
When Christian youth follow and emulate ungodly celebrities, they compromise their witness for Christ. Matthew 5:13-16 calls believers to be salt and light in the world. But if we look, talk, and act just like unbelievers, we lose our distinctiveness. We become salt that has lost its saltiness, fit for nothing. True discipleship requires being visibly different from the world. 1 Peter 2:9 declares: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” We are called to be peculiar—set apart—showing forth God's praises. We cannot do this effectively if we're indistinguishable from the world.
James 4:4 warns starkly: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” We cannot be friends with the world and friends with God simultaneously. We must choose. Choosing worldly celebrities as our role models puts us in dangerous spiritual territory. 2 Timothy 2:19-22 instructs: “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity...Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
How to Identify Godly Role Models
Not all human role models are bad. In fact, Scripture encourages us to follow godly examples. Let us examine what to look for in a role model.
Look for People Who Follow Christ
1 Corinthians 11:1 provides the key principle: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Paul told the Corinthians to follow his example, but only insofar as he followed Christ's example. This is the standard. We should look for role models who are themselves following Jesus—people whose lives reflect Christ's character, who obey God's Word, who love the Lord and love others, who walk in holiness and humility. Philippians 3:17 says: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” We should mark—take note of—people who walk worthy of being examples.
Hebrews 13:7 instructs: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” We should follow the faith of godly leaders, considering the outcome of their way of life. Do their lives demonstrate the fruit of walking with God? Have they remained faithful over time? Do they point others to Christ? These are the people worth emulating. 3 John 1:11 says: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” Follow those who do good and demonstrate that they belong to God.
Look for Spiritual Fruit in Their Lives
Matthew 7:16-20 teaches that we can recognize people by their fruit: “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit...Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” What fruit do the people you admire produce in their lives? Do they demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? Or do their lives demonstrate the works of the flesh—sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, and the like (Galatians 5:19-21)? The fruit reveals the root.
Matthew 12:33 records Jesus saying: “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” You cannot separate a person's character from their conduct. If someone's lifestyle contradicts God's Word, they are not a good role model, regardless of how talented, successful, or popular they may be. Proverbs 20:11 observes: “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” Actions reveal character. Look for people whose actions consistently demonstrate godly character.
Look for Humility and Love for God's Word
Godly role models are humble, not proud or self-promoting. James 4:6 says: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Many celebrities are characterized by pride and self-promotion. This is the opposite of Christ's example. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Look for people who are humble, who serve others, who don't constantly promote themselves or seek attention.
Additionally, godly role models love and obey God's Word. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed person: “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Does the person you're considering as a role model demonstrate love for Scripture? Do they read, study, and obey God's Word? Do they speak biblical truth or worldly wisdom? Joshua 1:8 commands: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” True success comes from obeying God's Word.
Practical Steps for Christian Youth
Let us conclude with practical steps Christian youth can take to choose godly role models and avoid ungodly influences.
Guard Your Heart and Mind
Proverbs 4:23 commands: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” You must guard your heart by being careful about what you allow into your mind. This means being selective about who you follow on social media, what entertainment you consume, and what voices you give authority in your life. Philippians 4:8 instructs: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Think on things that are true, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy—not on the corrupt content many celebrities promote.
Psalm 101:3 declares: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” Make a commitment not to set wicked things before your eyes. This may mean unfollowing certain celebrities, avoiding certain shows or music, and being intentional about what you watch and listen to. 2 Timothy 2:22 commands: “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Flee from corrupting influences and follow after righteousness with other believers who have pure hearts.
Seek Out Godly Mentors and Friends
Instead of following celebrities online, seek out godly mentors in your local church—pastors, youth leaders, mature Christian adults who can speak wisdom into your life. Titus 2:3-5 describes older women teaching younger women godly principles. Proverbs 27:17 says: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Surround yourself with friends who will sharpen you spiritually, not dull your spiritual edge. Choose friends who love Jesus, who encourage you to obey God's Word, who will speak truth to you even when it's difficult.
Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Be faithful in church attendance. Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you toward love and good works. Don't isolate yourself or rely solely on online influences. You need face-to-face relationships with godly people who know you and care about your spiritual growth.
Root Your Identity in Christ, Not in Culture
Many young people follow celebrities because they're searching for identity and belonging. But your identity must be rooted in Christ, not in cultural trends or celebrity endorsements. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” In Christ, you are a new creation. Galatians 2:20 says: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Your true identity is found in Christ alone.
Colossians 3:1-3 instructs: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Set your affections on heavenly things, not earthly things. Your life is hidden with Christ in God. That's your true identity. Don't look to celebrities to tell you who you are or how you should live. Look to God's Word. Seek Christ's approval, not the world's applause.
Choose Wisely Who You Follow
Christian youth, the decision of who you follow and emulate will shape your future. Choose wisely. Follow Jesus Christ first and foremost. Then follow godly examples—people who themselves are following Christ, who demonstrate spiritual fruit, who love God's Word and walk in obedience. Don't be deceived by the glamorous lifestyles of celebrities who do not fear God. Behind the carefully curated social media posts often lies emptiness, broken relationships, addiction, and spiritual darkness. Proverbs 14:12 warns: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” What seems appealing now may lead to destruction. Trust God's Word over cultural trends. Seek godly mentors over famous influencers. Root your identity in Christ, not in what the world says is cool or popular. God has a unique plan and purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Don't compromise that plan by following people who lead you away from God. Stay aligned with His teachings. Walk with the wise and you will become wise. Follow Christ and godly examples, and you will fulfill your God-given destiny. As Proverbs 3:5-6 promises: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”