Monkey See, Monkey Do

The old adage of "monkey see, monkey do" has been something that I have always found humor in and has always stuck with me.  As far as I can tell, the story behind the saying is that monkeys will imitate what they see, whether for good or bad, helpful or hurtful. 

Even though watching monkeys imitate some of the crazy things they see is funny, there is a more serious problem; that is people acting just like monkeys and copying some of the not-so-brilliant things they see.  How many problems in the world come up because someone tried something they saw somebody do on TV which looked really cool and some friend encouraged them to try it?  There is a reason I'm sure that commercials began to include the subtitle of "Don't try this at home.  Stunt done by a professional." 

Role models also play a big factor in the long-term picture.  I know most kids and adults have their heroes they look up to, whether a family member or an athlete or an actor.  What if that person does something that isn't of the highest standards?  What message does that send to the people who are looking up to them?

The big question is, are we that kind of role model?  Are we the friend who is encouraging someone to do something stupid or to rise to a new level?  The Savior taught that "Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16, 3rd Nephi 12: 14-16).  We become a light and an example to everyone of the Savior and His love for us; just as a lighthouse guides men to the safe harbor.

I know that the example we set is paramount to those around us.  If we are not doing our best, then we truly cannot expect others to rise to the great sense of happiness we have received.  Let us each follow more perfectly the perfect example, Jesus Christ, and live our lives as He would have us do so, and not like the monkeys of the world who do whatever seems cool and new.