NKJV, 1 Timothy 4:12 – Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
NKJV, Matthew 5: 16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
CEV, Matthew 5: 16 – Make your light shine, so others will see the good you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
One thing the world needs to see is good examples. They need to see believers walk in love and purity (integrity) and faith in their homes, in their schools and in their businesses. PEOPLE SHOULD COME INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY LOOKING AT YOUR LIFE – If we will stand out & be what we are supposed to be (believers in The Lord Jesus Christ), people are going to believe Christ because of our witness,
The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:17 to live above reproach in the sight of all men. Other scriptures teach us to avoid all appearance of evil. So, when you go after God, don’t walk out on the edge, trying to see how much you can get by with. Go all out in God’s direction. Conduct yourself in a way that will put to rest any question about whether or not you’re a Christian. Let the people around you see your love and Faith and purity in every situation.
Your example will go a lot further than your words. When our son, John, was a little boy, we were spending time with my grandparents. John was sleeping with my granddaddy and he woke him up in the night and said, “Pop, I have an earache. Would you pray for it?” Well, my grandparents were raised in a church that didn’t believe in healing. I don’t know what Pop did, but it didn’t work. So, John just got up and said, “I’m going to go get in bed with my mother. When she prays, it stops hurting.” About 18 years later, Pop told me the story.
You see, I had set an example of Faith and love, and John remembered it. While your children are growing up, they might forget some of the sermons you’ve preached or act like they’re not interested in the things of God. But they’ll never forget your example.
Even at the place where you work, or go to school, or just in your neighborhood, people might reject or argue with the words you say. But they’ll never refute or forget your acts of love.
Don’t let petty sins and spiritual compromises cast a shadow over your example. Live above reproach and let the Light of Jesus shine brightly through you.
Scripture Reading:
Romans 12:9-21
FRIENDSHIP WILL MAKE OR BREAK YOUR LIFE
