Setting and being an example:
How many of you out there have had to set and be an example for someone older than you, weather it be family, friends, or whatever? Just in life in general, or in the Christian aspect? I personally have had to set and be an example and light for many older than myself, and had shine and why? Sometimes, becuase they haven't heard the word of God, or don't understand it. Other times, they have, but don't care, they don't worry about being a Christian and living right. So what about just life in general? Well I've done that too, people who just made decisions they knew without a doubt weren't safe or smart.
They were plenty old enough, smart enough, etc. yet the don't care.
For example, I won't say names, but this one person I know...she left her husband, and only a few days later was using my computer to check her myspace page, well some guy sent her a mail message. He was saying she's pretty, he's single, asking if she likes to cuddle, etc. and I told her first of all that's not safe at all, sounds like he only wants one thing and you're better than that. Also you need to portect yourself and your family as well, secondly, hello, not to be rude, but you just left your husband a few days ago don't be going out there trying to find someone so quick, you don't NEED or REQUIRE a man in your life, stay single a while, and focus on God.
Anyways moving on, there's many more examples and instances I could give, but I won't. So now what about the example of being a Christian, and living right? This person claimed and professed to be a Christian, but they bared no fruit showing they were, in fact the were baring fruit that said they weren't a Christian. However I shall not judge that person or their heart, only God knows and can do that. So later on she went back to her husband, it lasted a while longer, but she called me daily, or every other day, telling me all that was going on and how she was sick and tired of it and leaving for good.
I listened very carefully, I let her say all she had to say, then I told her, "listen, I'm only telling you this because I love you, and care about you, not to be rude or harsh or whatever, but out of love, care, concern, and all". So I told her about how Jesus said a house divided against itself shall never stand, and how a home that isn't founded on Him will never last either. I witnessed and testified to her, and after I was done, she didn't have anything to say to me. I encouraged her to have herself and her husband hold hands and pray together, seek God, etc. but no no no that wasn't going to happen, so there was nothing more I could do.
Well after getting upset that I had told her what to do, that she knew wouldn't fail, she got mad at me and said she had to go. I set the example, I prayed, I told her what God's word says, and what I felt He laid on my heart at that given time. I let his light shine, she refused to accept it, and rejected it, there was nothing more I could do. Now did I beat myself up over it? Did I say oh did I say something wrong? Did I say what more could I have done or said to help? No I sure didn't, and do you know why? Because I knew in my heart, soul, and spirit, that I had been obedient to God.
I said you know, why let it bother me? If I do, I'm just allowing satan to win, and get to me. I'm just allowing him to be and throw a stubeling stone/block out there in front of me, why stumble over it when I don't have to? For with the Lord on my side, I can just stop right over it, or go around it and not worry about that. It's funny how we sometimes have to set the example in any and all aspects of life, as I've had to do. The funniest thing of all though, is how we can be so young in doing so, God can and will use anyone, no matter their color, race, creed, age, anything. God has no limits! I find myself in such amazement and gratitude that the Lord has blessed me with and chosen me to be the one that He used in so many others lives and yet I'm only twenty-one.
Some verses to go along with this, and just a reminder, I'm not here complaining about things at all, I'm telling you what the Lord has done, how He has worked so in such powerful and mighty ways, I'm just honoring and glorifying HIM!
1 Timothy 4:12 let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Jeremiah 1:4-8Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:17-19 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose
Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee
Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
