From “The Word For You Today” by Bruce Christian, What Kind Of Example Are You (2)

     Here’s something to keep in mind while going through our day, hopefully with your Lord and Savior leading the way.

 

What Kind Of Example Are You (2)

     It’s nice to say, “Be an example,” but in what specific areas?  For the next few days let’s look at some of them: “Be an example…in speech.”  Go back and read what Paul says to Timothy before this: “Don’t let anybody look down on you because…”  When you speak your credibility is at stake.  Solomon says, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words?  there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Pr 29:20).  The trouble with words is, once they’re spoken their impact is felt either positively or negatively-and you can’t take them back!  You can say you’re sorry, but you may have to rebuild your credibility with the person you spoke to, or about.  Here’s the litmus test for your words, and it’s a high standard: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord”  (Ps. 19:14).  The poet wrote “a careless word may kindle strife, a cruel word may wreck a life.  A gracious word may soothe the way, a joyous word may light the day.  A timely word may lessen stress, a loving word may heal and bless.”  So today let your words be faith-building, for people battle with doubt and fear.  Let your words be comforting, for people have wounds you cannot see.  Let your words be uplifting, for people get torn down by criticism and discouragement.  Let your words be calming, for God has promised to bless you if you are a peacemaker.  And let your words be character-building; that way you’ll leave people better off than you found them.

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From “The Word For You Today” by Bruce Christian, “What Kind of Example Are You, 1”

What Kind Of Example Are You (1)

     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 “to be a role model.”  The first car off the assembly line is a prototype of all that follows.  Dressmakers study the pattern, 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 youg 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.
     The poet wrote: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way.  The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, fine counsel is confusing but example’s always clear.  And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, for to see good put in action is what everybody needs.  I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done; I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.  And the lectures you deliver may be very fine and true; but I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.  For I may not understand you and the high advice you give; but there’s no misunderstanding how you act and live.