What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. –2 Timothy 1:13

Albert Schweitzer once declared, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others—it is the only thing.” Often people who close their ears to advice will open their eyes to example. As a church leader, I can teach/preach that believers should reach out to non-Christians, but unless I do so myself, the chances are slim that my listeners will do the same.
Paul willingly modeled the gospel, and he encouraged Timothy to look at his way of life and even at his failures and struggles. Paul knew that in doing so Timothy would find helpful principles for his own life.
The faithful believers we meet in Scripture serve as examples of discipleship. When I’m impatient, I study the endurance of Job. If I feel ornery, I allow the apostle John to refocus my attention on love. If the melody in my heart has been silenced, I read David’s psalms and sense God’s songs returning to my soul.
To motivate his officers, General Eisenhower placed a length of rope on a table. “I need a volunteer to push this rope across,” he said. Those who tried couldn’t do it as they pushed from one end of the rope. Then Eisenhower grabbed the rope and pulled it across the table. “Pushing men might work once in a while,” he said, “but the most effective way is to pull them along by going on ahead and serving as an example.”

REFLECTION

How has your “example” been lately? If the practice of Christianity was against the law, would you be convicted?

Prayer

All mighty Lord, we praise you for the examples of many faithful believers. Empower us also to be examples to others in our thoughts, words, and deeds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 30, 2011

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORD’S HEALING

Kim Schumacher: [friend of Marty and Jerry Belza] who has been diagnosed with MS

Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! – Psalm 66:16-20

All For Jesus
Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church