[270 words]
“Not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us” (2 Thess. 3:9).
As I look back to when I was growing up in the Church, the things that stand out to me are not what I would expect them to be. Some of my most vivid memories are of people that I spent very little time with. Many were much older than me, and our social circles only intersected through monthly potlucks. I remember men whose fervent prayers brought them to tears behind the podium, and one man who stepped out into the aisle at every prayer time so that he could drop to one knee. Without ever realizing it, these brothers were making an impact on a teenage boy. They taught me through their actions that piousness, emotion, and reverence could all converge in sincere faith.
Now that I am an adult, I wonder whose eyes are watching my actions. Do the things I do impact young people? If so, do they make them want to live more holy lives, or does it have the opposite effect? Paul tells Timothy to be an example to others through his youth. Wouldn’t age and experience therefore be even more expected to shine as an example? In his letter to Titus, Paul instructs the older men to “exhort the young men” (Titus 2:6, NKJV), and the older women to “admonish the young women” (Titus 2:4, NKJV). In other words, we all have a scope of influence, and we should always be aware of who we might impact.
Kerry Williams
Valley View church of Christ
Jonesboro, AR