"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
On October 4, Fox News reported that the Henry County School District issued a directive to school administrators ordering them to remove any religious items from their classrooms-namely bibles, angels, scripture verses and printed prayers. You could say that this was the day Jesus was kicked out of East Lake Elementary School in Georgia. Sadly enough, the trend shows no signs of slowing as more pressure is being placed on other schools to follow.
And as the push comes to silence the name of Jesus forever, I found it utterly disheartening to think that others schools might soon be following this example. Which is why I was so happy to see a picture of the prayer circle that was formed at a local Cross-Country meet later that night-the image bringing to mind the words of Paul when he instructed young Timothy to "set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." And this group of young people did just that! Their example of public devotion served as a reminder to those around them that Jesus is still welcome!!
So may each one of us, no matter how old or how young, "set the example" in showing the world that we, as Christians, will never abstain from praising the name of Jesus or ever refrain from publicly declaring our faith. And by doing so influence those around us to also stand firm because, as Albert Schweitzer once wrote, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
Heavenly Father, thank you for people that will lead by example showing the world that You are still Lord and welcome in our schools, our homes and our business. Even if we stand alone, let each one of us be an example of what it means to stand firm in the faith and hold on to what we know is true. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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