Helping Others By Holy Living

Our College and Career class has been studying 1 Timothy 4:12 and the idea of setting an example in your youth within the body of Christ. This week we are tackling the subject of setting an example in conduct. I was reminded this week of how important and encouraging a good conduct can be for others in the body, or how detrimental poor conduct can be.

My wife and kids went to the pool with a family from the school our children attend. This family attends another church and is trying to rear their children in a similar fashion to what we are. There must have been a bit of nervousness as to what would be worn at the pool, because the other mother told Heather she was glad our girls came in one piece bathing suits. She and her husband had just discussed what they were going to do with their girls about 2 piece bathing suits just the other night and had determined they would not allow them until their girls were married (this was a bit of a joke, but with the idea that the father did not want them dressing that way because of the attention it would bring).

For both Heather and this mom this simple issue was an encouragement to keep making stands and that there were others doing the same thing. It needs to be this way within the life of the body. If we do what is right it helps others to see they can make a stand and won’t be the only ones. Even if we are the only ones we know we must do what is right. However, as parents you get weary of doing what is right because you feel you are the only one whose kids don’t listen to this music, go to that movie, go to the dances, use certain words, or wear certain styles. We need each other’s support on the gray areas of our society. Our decisions on what to wear to the pool, what movies to see on Friday night, what music to listen to on our IPod, or a variety of daily decisions impact others within our body, even if they aren’t there. Our decision will either enforce what is right or make what is right harder to stand up for what is right.