The Enduring Influence of a Godly Example

I was a very fortunate young man. When I first began high school in the small town of Argos, Indiana, the Lord in His kind providence connected me with a group of young people who would become friends for the rest of my life. This vibrant Christian group influenced me in ways I am still discovering more than fifty years later. It was not only those young people themselves, but their families who left such a profound and lasting impact upon me. At that critical season of life, I learned far more about what a true Christian home should look like simply by watching them than I ever learned in my own home. No matter how earnestly I tried over the years, I was never able to fully replicate the warmth, the godliness, and the Christ-centered atmosphere I observed in those homes. How I wished I could have!

What brought all of this into sharper focus for me was the news, just a couple of days ago, that one of the "kids" from one of those families had unexpectedly been called home to be with the Lord. Anne was a few years older than the rest of us and served as one of the godly examples we all looked up to. She was doing the very things many of us aspired to—attending a Christian college and walking with a clear sense of purpose and direction. While none of us could see exactly how the Lord would write every chapter of her story, Anne went on to touch and help a great many people throughout her life. Even though we were never especially close, I kept track of her, prayed for her often, and found great joy in following what the Lord was doing in her life—even the delightful stories about her beloved (and sometimes mischievous) cats!

Her family was one of those solid Christian homes I so admired. Charlie was a farmer, business man, Deacon of our church and a funny man.  That's a picture above that he would show any one that would say yes if they wanted to see a picture of his "Pride and Joy". Marilyn was a force unto herself, the church organist and the reason I learned to eat hard shell tacos without making a mess.  Harder than it sounds... and also one of the biggest supporters of us kids.  They were not perfect—no family is—but her parents consistently sought to let God lead in their lives and in the raising of their children. That quiet, faithful example left an indelible mark on my heart.

One day soon I need to tell you about Dee and Forest, they had even larger impact on our group.

Because of the influence of these dear Christian young people and their families back in the 1970s, I came to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And because He saved me, it led to my mother being saved and baptized. At least three of my siblings came to faith as well, and many more in our extended family have since trusted Christ—all because of the faithful example of a group of young Christians and the homes that shaped them.

Dear friends, never let anyone persuade you that simply living as a consistent example as a Christian has little power. The truth is quite the opposite. God delights to use ordinary people who faithfully live out their faith in the everyday moments of life. As the Lord Jesus Himself declared:

> “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  

> —Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)

To those of you who are parents, grandparents, or who regularly welcome young people into your home: take this to heart. The children and youth who visit are watching closely. They notice how you speak to one another, how you respond when things are difficult, how you pray together, and whether Christ is truly honored in the ordinary rhythms of home life. Your home is a powerful classroom, and your example can have eternal consequences in ways you may never fully see this side of eternity. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

I share this testimony simply because my heart is full. May it encourage you to keep pressing on in faithfulness, knowing that God can use even the simplest acts of Christian example to bring souls to Himself and to strengthen His Church. To Him alone be all the glory!

DMMC 

6-8-26