Read 1 Corinthians 4:14–17
Who is it the Lord has used to model His message and challenge you to change, to shake off that tendency to settle for less than your full potential, to stretch and pursue and conquer new territory you once never dreamed possible? All of us can name at least one individual, can’t we?
Four characteristics are usually found in those who impact our lives:
- Consistency, not erratic attentiveness
- Authenticity, not given to superficial games
- Unselfishness, not focused on self
- Tirelessness, not inclined to shrink back in trials
We can either follow someone like that, or we can be that person upon whom others can build their lives. That’s how the apostle Paul viewed the impact of his ministry:
I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me.
That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go. (1 Corinthians 4:14-17)
Can you in good conscience urge the young people around you to imitate your life, your attitudes, your faith? How about your children and grandchildren? Perhaps it’s a group of students under your care. Perhaps it’s your employees or those who serve around you in ministry.
Take time to reflect on this today. Remember: there’s always someone watching and following you and taking their cues from your life. Make it count. Let Christ shine through. The next generation really needs it.
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.
