Be an Example to Fellow Believers

[Thompson, Darryl]

Be an Example to Fellow Believers 

     Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Tim. 4:12  

     By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in
contact is consciously or unconsciously affected. . . . Our words, our
acts, our dress, our deportment, even the expression of the countenance,
has an influence. . . . Every impulse thus imparted is seed sown which
will produce its harvest. It is a link in the long chain of human
events, extending we know not whither. If by our example we aid others
in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In
their turn they exert the same influence upon others, and they upon
still others. Thus by our unconscious influence thousands may be
blessed.  

     Throw a pebble into the lake, and a wave is formed; and another and
another; and as they increase, the circle widens, until it reaches the
very shore. So with our influence. Beyond our knowledge or control it
tells upon others in blessing or cursing. . . .  

     And the wider the sphere of our influence the more good we may do.
When those who profess to serve God follow Christ's example, practicing
the principles of the law in their daily life; when every act bears
witness that they love God supremely and their neighbor as themselves,
then will the church have power to move the world.  

     If young men make their model an exalted one, having pure morals
and firm principles, and if blended with this are affability and true
Christian courtesy, there is a refined perfection to the character which
will win its way anywhere, and a powerful influence will be wielded in
favor of virtue, temperance, and righteousness. Such characters will be
of the highest value to society, more precious than gold. Their
influence is for time and for eternity. 

>From My Life Today - Page 121