Tag Archive | examples

The power of examples

Feb10
***New “Deeper insights” article on Why I care about “same sex” marriage by Tricia Reno

 

Good and Bad Examples for Our Children

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. What you teach your own children is what you really believe in. Nothing is so infectious as example. Visualize this:

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8).

The Corinthian brethren were warned not to be like the Israelites who served as bad examples in 1 Corinthians 10:11: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Paul commended the Thessalonians for being good examples in 1 Thessalonians 1:7: “So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.”

And in 1 Peter 5:3, elders are told to be examples to the church: “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

After all the good examples we read about in Hebrews 11:1-40, the Hebrew writer says,

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (Heb. 12:1-3, KJV).

— Beth Johnson

The dangers of being church people

Aug5

The church bus rolled up to a neighborhood full of kids recently. Before I even saw the children I heard one of them yell, “The church people are here!”

It wasn’t the first time I have heard the designation. However, I have to admit that it bothers me only because it comes with a huge responsibility. And if we’re being honest, one that we’re not always that great at.

Church people should begin and end with love. They’ve made a commitment to their Savior out of love and strive to take that unending love into the world.

They feed the hungry, visit the sick and imprisoned, take the Gospel into uncomfortable situations and unchartered territories. They’re not bashful about sharing it, and they’re unafraid to risk their lives for it.

Church people should have an interminable joy and not because they are a stranger to problems. They know grief well.

They’ve walked down broken roads, but they also have a happiness that comes from having a hope greater than the trials of this life. These kinds of people have been known to sing in prison & encourage others as they face their own executions.

Church people should be people of peace who refuse to give into drama. They should be so confident that their citizenship resides in Heaven that they’re not burdened down with the problems of our government, nor do they bow to treacherous leaders out of fear.

They boldly stand on the truth while honoring the rulers of their day, however malicious they may be.

Church people should know patience well. Their entire lives are filled with waiting for the promise of their returning King. Their peaceful spirits influence those with whom they work, live and worship.

Church people should be so kind that their little corners of the world are better because of them. They never miss an opportunity to treat others well and because of this attitude have been accused of turning their parts of the world upside down.

Church people are great at stirring up good works. They are bridge builders who are gentle in their actions and words.

When I heard those sweet kids use the term church people, I cringed because I thought of those shoes that I have a responsibility to fill and how many times I have failed.

I thought of the moments when I have been a stumbling block to a world searching for the truth. Moreover, there are the times when I have tried to deal with people and their messy lives on my own instead of taking them straight to the one who died for them.

And honestly, I don’t want to be known for a church regardless of how much I love her, I want to be known for a King who has risen and reigns. His reputation is in our hands. That isn’t a burden but a blessing that should definitely get our attention.

When people see you, who do they see? Is it a building on a corner or a city on a hill?

by Paula Harrington / www.forthright.net