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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 1, NUMBER 34, SEPTEMBER 23, 2001 THE POWER OF A GOOD CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE Several years ago I had a Christian tell me that it was not his or her responsibility to be an example to fellow Christians. I was to live my life the way I chose to live it, and he or she would decide how to live his or her life. I found this attitude to be extremely discouraging and obviously unscriptural. The person obviously chose to ignore 1 Thess. 1:6 - 8, "You were examples to all who believe..", 1 Tim. 4:12, "Be an example of the believers…", and Philippians 4:12, "…shine as lights in the world." Those Christians who see no need to be the best example they can be transgress God's Word and fail to understand the positive (and negative) short and long-term influence that just one person can have in the Lord's church. Thankfully, this was not the attitude of Judi Heflin. Judi recognized her need to be a good example and influence on us at all times, especially during the last years of her life as she struggled with cancer. I have seen very few people in my life attack back at a disease the way Judi attacked back at the cancer that had invaded her body. She attacked back through the help and support of her husband and our brother, her spiritual family, but most of all through her strong personal faith in God. She always walked in with a smile on her face and as much of a leap in her step as she could muster; although, we all knew she was in a great deal of pain. She walked in sometimes and I looked at her and wondered how she made it out; but she was determined to study and worship with us each and every time the doors were open. I am deeply saddened that I will no longer see and even hug my sister Judi for the rest of the time that God allows me to live on His earth. However, I am also glad that her suffering is over and she is now residing in an infinitely better place. I also believe that due to her excellent example, she will have a positive influence on my life and in the Lord's church for many years to come (God willing). Let me tell you why on a personal level I believe this to be true. I know for a fact that my grandparents, parents, and Kim and I are all much stronger Christians due to our association and friendship with our sister Judi. Due to our being strengthened the Northern Kentucky Church of Christ is stronger. In turn, I also believe that my children will end up being better people (and I hope and pray strong Christians), because of Judi's example even though they may never remember her. I'm sure many of you feel the same way. We have all known Judi for different lengths of time. Some of us only knew her for a few months or a couple of years. Some of us knew Judi (if my memory and arithmetic are correct) for 18 years. However, I believe that we all can say that we are better Christians for having worshipped with her. Thanks for your example Judi. So long for now. We'll see you soon. Thank you God for blessing us with Judi. Come quickly. Eric Saylor GRANDPARENTS I saw an interesting cartoon the other day. It depicted a small boy standing in the corner with his face to the wall. His mother was sitting in a chair opposite the corner. It was obvious that the young boy was being punished. What made the cartoon funny was what the little boy was saying. He said, "Don't I get a phone call? I want to call grandma." I chuckled and thought of a few grandmas that we have around here. I won't mention any names, but I can imagine Joyce, or Sheila, Charlene, or Loretta, or Mary, or Joni, or Alene, and a host of others getting just such a call; that is if I was going to mention any names. What a blessing it is to have grandparents and what a tremendous influence for good they can have in the lives of their grandchildren! I am reminded of a statement that is found in Acts 16:1. That verse says, "And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek." As we follow the story a little bit further, we can get some insight into the development of Timothy's faith. Consider Paul's words to Timothy in 2 Tim. 1:3 - 5. There we find, "I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that is in you as well." Paul wrote of the sincerity of Timothy's faith - it was not hypocritical or faked. Furthermore, Timothy's faith was a third generation example of sincere faith. In verse three, Paul had referred to his ancestors, implying sincere faith on their part. Of course we recognize that their faith would have been under the Jewish system, prior to the beginning of the Lord's church. Now he draws a parallel between the faith of the two families. There is an exception that deserves consideration. Timothy's father is not mentioned. We know that he was a Greek (Acts 16:1), and in all probability he was not a believer. But the point is, if that is so it did not keep the women in the family from giving young Timothy the spiritual training that he needed. Look at the tremendous influence these godly women exercised in the life of one that Paul would call "my beloved son". Timothy was a "third generation", in whose spiritual development his grandmother played an important role. We see it here at Northern Kentucky all the time, even unto the fourth generation. How much good is being accomplished by grandparents who recognize that the most important thing they can give to their grandchildren is a marvelous example of faith! I look out and see the children sitting with their parents, and their grandparents, and in some cases with their great grandparents, and I think "What a legacy!" No matter what happens to these children in the years ahead, they will have been taught that the foundation of the lives of their ancestors was faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am not a grandparent yet. I eagerly await the time if it should turn out that way. I can think of few things more thrilling than to hold my grandchild on my lap - the son or daughter of my faithful son or daughter - and to help instill in them an unwavering faith in the Lord. So, thanks to all the grandmas and grandpas, great grandmas and great
grandpas in the congregation. Just keep doing what you are doing. It may very
well be that long after you have departed from this earth, it may be said of you
that "being dead, you still speak" (Heb. 11:4) in the person of the
faithful grandchild that you helped to influence.
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