Never underestimate the POWER OF EXAMPLE. Living for Jesus 24/7 is vital. Last week I shared the story of how a friend of mine (Ellen) and her family became Christians through the POWER OF EXAMPLE. Today I share a story that happened to me about 20 years ago.
I was given the blessing of baptizing a young man who I had taught over a series of studies. This young man (I will call him Joe to conceal his identity) needed a job so I asked one of our members (I will call him Bob to conceal this identity) to hire Joe. Bob was a leading house builder in that city.
Just after Joe started his new job, I dropped by the job site to encourage Joe in his new job. While we were talking in one room, from the adjacent room we could hear a voice that was loud, angry, and full of vulgar language. The angry voice was Bob, and he was yelling at one of his employees, using words that would make a sailor blush. That yelling continued until Bob walked around the corner and saw me. I can’t remember a face ever being more red. I turned to Joe, excused myself and asked Bob if we could talk in private. Actually, I didn’t know how I was going to start that conversation, but I didn’t have to because as soon as we were in a private area Bob started gushing. I don’t remember his exact words, but it went something like this:
“I know I’m wrong. I shouldn’t talk like that. I think God brought you here today to force my hand. I have been wanting to stop talking like that and maybe this is the kick in the pants I needed to actually stop.” We prayed together that day and Bob then called all his workers together to apologize to them. That Sunday the church prayed for Bob and for strength to overcome his sin.
To make a long story short, the change in Bob was significant. Two of his workers became Christians due to the change and Joe, the new Christian, became one of the church’s best workers and one of Bob’s best.
So, there is an easy way we can teach others… live Jesus 24/7 in front of them! Live our lives every day the way God would want us to! Be the example like Bob eventually became and help others see Jesus through your daily life!
-Michael Cox
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