Be an Example to Follow

“At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Acts 7:57-58 NIV

In a story published by the Marietta Daily Journal over the weekend, it was reported that “Marist senior Tommy Latham became the latest to achieve the Holy Grail of distance running after becoming the first Georgia high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier when he ran 3 minutes, 59.79 seconds at the Marist Mile on March 28. Achieving a sub-4-minute mile has been a dream of Latham’s since he began his running career in the sixth grade, seeking to join the other 1,755 runners who have achieved the milestone since Bannister became the first to do it in 1954.” It’s no wonder it’s been a dream of Latham’s since he started running… Ever since Roger Bannister became the first runner to run a sub-4-minute mile in 1954, it has been the dream of runners around the world to accomplish that goal.

And, you know, as this story shows, it’s amazing how many people will step out to do something worthwhile when someone first paves the way—showing not only that it can be done, but that it’s an excellent pursuit. Consider the story of Stephen who was the first martyr of the Christian faith. Among the crowd witnessing Stephen’s death was a young man named Saul, later known as Paul, who would become one of the most influential apostles there ever was, writing many books of the New Testament and influencing millions of people to accept Jesus as their Savior. Yet, Saul initially approved of Stephen’s execution, giving his stamp of approval to the witnesses laying their coats at his feet. But Paul later became a faithful follower of Christ when he discovered the eternal benefits of giving his life to Jesus—thanks in part to the example of Stephen who was willing to die for his faith. Paul eventually followed Stephen’s example and became a martyr himself because of his love for the Savior, and now serves as an example to us all of what it means to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith. 

So, knowing that we better impact our world for the kingdom when we boldly walk out our faith, vow to live on fire for Jesus Christ each and every day my friend. Make knowing Him, serving Him, and leading the lost to Him your greatest pursuit no matter what it costs and you’ll be an example for others to follow. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Bible that gives us the courage to be bold through the examples of the faithful believers that have gone before us and have served You with their whole hearts and reaped eternal benefits from doing so. Help us Lord to follow these examples and to be an example to those around us. Help us to live on fire for You Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!