Bible Reading: 2 Chro.26; 2 Thes 3:1-9.
“Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (KJV)
A child got home after one Sunday service and was excited to tell his parents that he met Jesus in the church on that Sunday. The parents were curious and asked how he met Jesus. His response was astounding. He said, the lace of his shoes were loose and Jesus held him and tied the lace for him. For him, the teacher that laced his shoe showed an exemplary character of Christ, so he believed, he was Christ.
There are a few lessons that we can glean from this boy. Our life style and not just our words will tell whether we are Christians or not. This will be examples for others to follow. So we actually preach the gospel or disdain it by our life style. This is why Apostle Paul says in Romans 14:13 (KJV): “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” So whatever will make your brother to fall, desist from it. This is why all should desist from dressing, eating, speaking or even socializing in any way that will cause the opposite sex to commit sin. You should not look at your convenience or pleasure alone but also consider the implication on your neighbour. It is not that you do not have the freedom or power but the need to be good disciples to others should be uppermost in our hearts. This is why Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (KJV): “Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.”
Also from that boy’s example, it’s apparent he did not know the teacher that laced his shoes. So we should be good to friends, associates and strangers alike. You never know who your action may draw to salvation! That’s why Ecclesiastes 11:6 (KJV) says: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
Action Point: Examine yourself and identify areas where you should have laid good examples for others to follow and start to make amends today.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero