I drove across rural West Tennessee to attend a funeral this morning. It was a memorial event for a man who died too soon…much too young.
I only knew this fellow by our interactions through the University of Tennessee at Martin. He was heavily involved in our fundraising and advocacy efforts. I considered him to be a tireless promoter of education.
But at his memorial service, I learned much more about him. I learned of his roles as a husband, a father and a grandfather. I learned about his love of music and how he played the piano growing up in church.
The most powerful comment, however, came when the minister spoke of his decades of teaching Sunday School classes. The preacher said, “as good as Melvin was at preaching God’s Word, he was even better at living it out. His daily walk was a Sunday School lesson.”
Powerful stuff.
It’s a reminder that studying the word of God is important. But living it is equally as important.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
I’ve thought about that statement all afternoon as I drove home. Is my walk a living example of the teachings of Jesus?
My prayer this week is to be aware of my influence. How can I show God’s love through my daily interactions with family, friends and coworkers? How can I show gentleness and grace to others during this holiday season and beyond?
I want to be intentional about my walk with Jesus…and how that flows into everything else I do.
Please let me know how I may pray for you.
God bless.
Friday Word(s) 