If you are in touch with the news, you've certainly heard about the photo of Michael Phelps toking (is that a word?) on a bong (pot pipe) at a party. He admitted to using weed and the scandal has provided many commentators with a hot topic for their columns. I'm addressing this matter in today's Message About Purpose and Strategy because it serves as a great reminder about the influence of our example.

Many people have communicated their disappointment in Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. They say his achievement has given him huge influence with young people all over the world. It has also landed him more than $100 million of endorsement deals.

Some people are expressing the opinion that partying is not unusual behavior for a 23 year old. "Give the guy a break," they seem to plead. As I sorted through the conflicting ideas expressed about this controversy, a single line clarifies the issue for me. Someone noted, "Phelps left the usual life behind a long time ago." Their point was to say that even if it seems like "everybody else is doing it," Phelps is different and his status brings with it significant responsibilities.

All this applies to us as followers of Christ. With the privilege of being in God's family, comes a huge responsibility to set an example worthy of emulation. There is a double standard. Accept it. Your life is your most valuable tool in influencing others. We shouldn't whine about the higher standard. Instead, let's rise above and soar.

To learn more about the importance of your example, read Phil. 3:17; 4:9, and 2 Thes. 3:7.