“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).
A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Friday, June 3, 2005
"Lasting Impact"
"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others" (2 Timothy 2:2).
We have a couple in our church who recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. For many years they have ministered to others through their hospitality. Shortly after they got married they hosted a little fresh air child from New York City, giving her a taste of life in the country. Brooksyne and I also participated in the Fresh Air Program for many years, which connects inner city children from New York City to a family away from the city for a week or two during the summer.
Last Sunday I noticed a couple sitting beside them and upon inquiry found out this was that "little girl" over 50 years later! They have stayed in contact all through the years and have sought to provide an impact for Christ. Of course they are held in high esteem, having given her spiritual and emotional support all through her life.
The concept of long-term impact is a theme I regularly emphasize in this series. Timothy is a good example. From infancy he had the spiritual influence of his mother and grandmother. For many years he worked alongside Paul. In the daily text Paul passes on the responsibility of spreading the faith to Timothy and to those whom he would influence. In one way or another all of us who earnestly follow Christ are also in this chain of transmission.
It's been going on for nearly 2,000 years and has worked very well. And now you've taken up your part. You're witnessing at work (often rejected with scorn). You may be teaching a group of lively kids at your church or witnessing in a prison or one of the many other ways we spread the message and seek to make a lasting impact for Christ.
Today let's all determine that we will be a faithful link in this transmission of faith. I thank God for my spiritual genealogy, but now I desire to be a link to many spiritual descendents. I desire now to have a part in someone else's spiritual genealogy. And I hope you all do as well!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Personal Mission Statement: “I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God’s Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and I make it my life’s goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity.”
© Copyright 2005 Stephen C. Weber - All Rights Reserved
"Living today anchored in God’s solid foundation"