Have you ever thought of yourself as an example? I, just like everyone else, have a past. Unfortunately, it is not the past you would think I would have as the wife of a preacher. That past reaches up from the depths and bites me in the butt every so often, just to remind me to be humble. I see myself in the youth of today wishing I had made better choices, wishing I could share my story with the kiddos but knowing they do not need to know the details.
I then have to remind myself that hind site is 20/20, and although I don't live in a mansion or drive a luxury vehicle possibly because of the wrong choices I made, I turned out just fine! Now, I am not saying the bad choices they sometimes make are okay. Oh No! What I am saying is that, with examples of good choices in their lives (that would be you and I), they will do just fine as well. This is the time in their lives when they need an example to go by. They need to know that their mistakes, although they have consequences, can be forgiven and dealt with, and they can go on to lead productive, Godly lives.
God, our Father in Heaven, gave his one and only son so that we could be forgiven for our sins and live an eternal life with him as a joint heir with Christ. Now that, folks, is an example. So please remember that every action, every word, every attitude you have is seen as an example. If you smoke, they will think it is okay to smoke. If you drink, they will think it is okay to drink. If you look at inappropriate things or read inappropriate things, they will think it is okay to do that. If you read the Bible daily, they will think that is okay. If you memorize verses, they will think it is okay. If you lead someone to a life with Christ as their Lord and Savior, they will think it is okay to do that, too.
Every action, every word, every attitude you have is an example. Set the example. Be the example.
Lord, today I pray for all who read this post. I pray you convict their hearts to be more Christ-like in everything they say and do. Guide them, Lord. Direct their paths. Lead them to a road of righteousness, a road where they can be an example of you. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
May You make choices for which God can bless you.
