I’ve been thinking lately about the effect my friend Hank has had on my spiritual journey recently. Hank is an older man at the small country church I grew up in, who helped out with the youth group back when I was in high school. He has been a very caring and good friend in the years since, especially in college as I struggled heavily with depression and anxiety and needed the help of a friend such as him. He frequently made hour-long trips to see me on the weekends to make sure I was fed, gifted me many books on thought-provoking and encouraging scripture-based life advice, and helped me find a new church in a new area when the peak of my social anxiety would have made that a monumentally difficult task on my own. He’s always been a good friend and a wise mentor in walking with Christ. Even now, Hank still seems to know when to send encouragement and kind words my way when I need it most, and even occasionally sends candy or coffee for my wife & I to enjoy together.
Above all though, Hank has shown me the profound effect of following Christ by example can have on others. When I think of the Christ-like example Hank has shown me, I think of Paul’s words in Phillipians 3:14-17: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus… brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Or in 1 Peter 4:8-10: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I think of how I’ve grown through the actions of Hank and others like him who’ve shown grace and love, acting as good stewards of the gracious gifts God’s given them, and using those gifts by outwardly building up others through example in their own walk with Christ, and through the words and wisdom they share. From experiencing Christ’s radical love shown through this form of mentorship, I have grown closer to Christ myself, learning and seeing the value of walking your whole life with Him. Hank’s love of Christ points me in Christ’s direction, and demonstrates the patient, kind love that only Christ offers. It also shows me through my first-hand experience, how important it is for me to teach and lead others through example by always living by Godly principles.
So today I offer a simple reminder of the importance of sharing what Christ has taught you with those around you. If through following Christ’s teaching at home with your children, mentorship of those younger than you at your church, or simply leading a life wholly devoted to Christ as an example for the younger generation, showing the change God has brought into your life never goes unnoticed, nor unrewarded. I really could never put it as well as Paul does in Phillipians 3:8 & 9: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” When your walk with Christ lead others to Christ and your help strengthen their relationship with Him, you are helping others find an immeasurable gift: peace with God. And what could be more rewarding and worthwhile that being a light to God’s shining glory?