My parents had seven children. Life was full of love, laughter and challenges. Even though each of us had our own unique character, we were also very much alike. We were hard working, one might even say driven. Add to that a willingness to serve and have compassion for the unfortunate or ill.
My younger sister recently asked my mom, “What is it that makes your children so organized, driven and purpose-filled. What makes us want to help neighbors, or take in strangers that have no home?” She hastened to add, “We are not perfect people. We have flaws, frustrating idiosyncrasies, and much more.”
Mom thought about it a moment and said, “I don’t know, except your Dad and I tried to embody those characteristics in front of you regularly. Yes, we made mistakes, But our focus individually was always on the Lord, and collectively trying to lead our children to know, love, and obey God. We tried to be an example of entertaining strangers, caring for the sick, or helping a stranded or hurting neighbor. We took every opportunity to keep our children busy with good things, staying on task, and growing in knowledge, especially knowledge of God’s word. Your Dad had an amazing work ethic. He involved the boys in busy projects, and I did so with the girls.”
When Mom mentioned entertaining strangers, it reminded me of the time when she and Dad invited a Korean widow to our Thanksgiving dinner. She knew little English and we kids chuckled with her when she took our colloquialisms literally. It was not long before she obeyed the Lord in baptism.
Our large family (living in one small house with one bathroom) took in two homeless cousins and introduced them to the Lord. Both were baptized into Christ.
There was also the time when my youngest brother was moved with compassion about his friend at school whose house had burned down. He lived with his grandmother and her house burned down. He was going to another school district and a rough part of the city. My brother asked my parents if he could live with them until he graduated the next year. Dad and Mom graciously opened their home to him. My parents exemplified what Jesus revealed about the day of the Lord, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me (Matthew 25:31-46).
When Mom talked about Dad’s strong work ethic, she added, “At one time, he had three jobs, you know.” He did so with very few complaints, except occasionally about the Nashville traffic. He led his children by example to understand what Paul wrote, And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, (Colossians 3:23).
The family is just a microcosm of the church. The apostles fashioned their lives to be like Jesus. They imitated Christ! They had a deep love for God’s word. They taught others to love it, respect it, and live by it. In turn, the apostles and inspired writers encouraged Christians, then and now, to imitate them. Paul wrote, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). The writer to the Hebrews said, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12b). Peter said, Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus is our model for Christian living!
The question is, What kind of example are we?” It is vitally important that mature Christians today live to imitate Jesus, to love the Bible in its simplicity and purity and share it with the young. Then we can look forward to them growing into faithful adults who, like us, seek a heavenly inheritance. God be praised!
Today’s Verse: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).
By Teresa Hampton
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