Pointing Out Christians Role Models
My family and I worshiped at our WELS church in Jackson this past Sunday. Before the service started an old man who happened to be acquainted with our family greeted my wife and sons with a broad smile and spoke to them. After he asked my sons how old they were and what they were doing, he said, “Well boys, don’t ever forget that God is good, and no matter where you go he will be with you, and he will take care of you no matter what may come.” That unsolicited encouragement came from a man who needs a cane to walk since a stroke disabled him probably at least 30 years ago.
Every now and then, our kids will meet outstanding Christian people like that man who unashamedly spoke about his Savior and encouraged my kids in their faith in Jesus; or it might be someone like Jennilee Rathje, the outstanding MSU volleyball player and WELS member who attended Shepherd of the Hills during her college days. She came to hear God’s Word faithfully and even took notes on the sermons. Her Facebook page is a model for how a Christian should use social media. (By the way, if you want to follow her on Twitter you will find Proverbs 3:5-6 beneath her name: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”) The Bible tells us to pay attention to Christians like that, and to follow their example. “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Philippians 3:17)
That Sunday morning conversation with that aged Christian man provided an opportunity to speak to my kids about filing his example in their heart, and striving to be like him, speaking about the grace and promises of God to others for their comfort and encouragement, just as he did. Look for Christian role models like that man or Jennilee. Point them out to your kids. Talk about what they say or do and connect it to Jesus- because they are who they are because of Jesus, and what they really want to do with their lives is point to him- their Savior and your Savior and your children’s Savior.