What Kind of Example Are You? (1)

               
'...Be an example' 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Wonderful Monday morning to everyone. As I looked back at yesterday's service I broke down with emotion at what God did in our midst. We had the operation of his gifts in many areas break forth. The adult single group got off to a great start yesterday @the informational meeting. Please pray for Mary as she leads this task and her heart for wisdom on how to do it. Pray for Mike who gave his heart to Christ, Kelly Rees sister who needs her saviors touch, for Kent and his family, and many others who shared the Spirit's moving in their lives. God has placed the need to share these things with you so you will take a active part in what He's doing @CFW. Amazing how big our God is when we grasp the vision of who He is...

One of the scriptures I used yesterday was out of 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul told Timothy not to neglect his gift but be an example to everyone. Andrew Murray wrote, 'God has no more precious gift...than a man who lives as an embodiment of His will, and inspires those around him with the faith of what grace can do.' When Paul writes, 'Be an example,' he means 'be a role model.' The first car off the assembly line is a prototype of all that follows. Dressmakers study the pattern, and then design the garment accordingly. The word ideal sounds lofty, and it is. But even if you don't achieve the ideal, it should still be your goal. What Paul was saying to young Timothy was, 'When you talk about Jesus, people should see so much of Him in your life that they desire to know Him. When you talk about faith, the evidence of it should be so compelling that they want to live by it.'
Bruce Carroll sings: 'I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. Actions speak much louder than all that words can say. That's why I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day.' Lectures may be wise and true but it's better for people to learn through seeing it lived out, rather than hearing words spoken. Words may be misunderstood but a life of love is difficult to misinterpret. You are loved...