Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 HCSB
I have had the fortune of having many people in my life who have influenced and guided me. I can remember my fourth grade teacher who encouraged me when I was struggling with school. Dr. Tom Graves was my youth minister who influenced me to go into ministry. Dr. Bill Cromer was a seminary professor who taught me how to be a youth minister. Dr. Winfred Moore gave me a wonderful opportunity to serve as the youth minister at First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas which opened many other doors of ministry for me. Veryln Bergen gave me the opportunity to work as the youth consultant in the Sunday School department for the Missouri Baptist Convention. Dr. Roger Hatfield has been a close and encouraging friend over the years. I have been richly blessed by the people God has placed in my life.
We all owe much to those who have preceded us and have walked along side of us to teach us and model how we should live. This verse reminds us to observe the lives of those who have influenced us and to imitate their faith. Certainly, there have been parents and teachers who have taught each of us about God, His Son Jesus Christ, and how we can have forgiveness of sin and receive eternal life. In turn, there are others who God has placed in our lives that we are influencing in some way.
Challenge: Would you want others imitating you? Live your life in such a way that you are setting a good example and modeling how to live life as a follower of Jesus Christ. Thank God for those He has placed in your life who have influenced you to grow in your relationship with Him..