In Night 2 of Summer Camp 2025, titled "All Invest," Glen Rowden, focuses on the concept of being an example to others, drawing heavily from biblical teachings.

Rowden begins by highlighting the core theme of investing in others by being a positive example. He references 1 Timothy 4:12: "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." He explains that this verse is from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young leader of the church in Ephesus who faced many challenges. Paul's instruction to Timothy, and by extension to the audience, is to invest in the people around them and to be an example.

Rowden illustrates this point with a personal anecdote about his young son, Evan, who unconsciously imitated his father mowing the lawn. This story emphasizes that people are always watching, even when we don't realize it. He stresses that everyone, regardless of age or perceived influence, is an example to someone else—whether it's peers, family, or neighbors. The crucial question isn't if you are an example, but "what kind of example are you?" Especially for those who claim to follow Jesus, they are an example of what that means to others, and for some, they may be the only example of Jesus they encounter.

To understand what kind of example to be, Rowden turns to Philippians 2:5-11, which describes Jesus' humility and sacrifice.

• Relationship with Jesus is Essential: Rowden emphasizes that one cannot truly be the example needed without a relationship with Jesus. He quotes Philippians 2:5, "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Our ability to live out this example comes from being "in Christ Jesus," not from our own power or efforts, as we are all sinners (Isaiah 53:6). He highlights that Jesus paid the price for our sins, demonstrating God's immense love (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-9). This means we live by faith in what Jesus did, not in our own ability to do good (Galatians 2:20).

  
  

• Willingness to Let Go of Entitlement: Jesus, though equal with God, "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" (Philippians 2:6-7). Rowden interprets this as Jesus being willing to let go of what he was entitled to for our benefit. He challenges the audience to stop focusing on what they think they deserve, as ultimately, without Jesus, humanity deserves eternal separation from God. He states, "Jesus' example is this: I deserve, but instead I give, I serve, and I sacrifice."

  
  

• Importance of Daily, Little Moments: Rowden asserts that Jesus' example wasn't just about significant moments but also about the "daily moments and decisions that may seem insignificant" (Philippians 2:7). Jesus, the Creator, daily lived a servant's life, submitting to his Father's will despite mistreatment. Rowden urges listeners to consider that people are watching their everyday actions and reactions, not just the big decisions. He stresses that "your speech, your conduct, your love, your faith in your purity and daily life matters."

  
  

• Handling Failure as an Example: Rowden acknowledges that no one is perfect and mistakes will be made. However, he sees these moments as opportunities to be an example. Quoting 1 John 1:8-9, he encourages confession of sins, highlighting that God is faithful to forgive. He shares an anecdote about giving his hoodie to his cold son at a Good Friday service, despite initially being frustrated, as a personal example of sacrificing for someone undeserving, mirroring Jesus' sacrifice. He concludes that how we handle failure is part of the example we set.

Rowden's central message is a call to be "all in" with Jesus, not holding anything back, and to reflect His example of humility, service, and sacrifice in all aspects of life, both big and small, for the benefit of others.