My father-in-law, Bill, was an amazing man. The way he loved his wife, his family, his friends, his church and most importantly, the way he loved the Lord. His life was a direct reflection of his love and devotion for/to God. And everyone who knew him noticed.
If you would have attended his funeral, you would have heard stories about the kind of godly man that he was. How he was humble, loving, forgiving, accepting, patient, kind and helpful. He was a great fisherman too! I already knew all this about Bill, but while listening to these stories I was really convicted. Am I being a godly example to others like Bill was? Are people seeing the light of Christ in me? I can imagine the answer to these questions is, not enough! But I know that I can be doing something differently to help improve that. And that is… spend more time in the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in me.
Scripture reminds us…
2 Timothy 3: 15-17
And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1 Timothy 4: 14-16
Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this for by doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Hebrews 12:11
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.