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by Jonathan Clark
Our lives are not like that of a tumbleweed, which passes by in the wind and into obscurity. The actions of ones life often have an impact on others, even after they has passed away.
Throughout history, the lives of both honorable as well as evil men have left long lasting impacts on the lives of others.
In Hebrews 11, God lists several examples of the triumphs of faith in holy men of old; the Bible declares:
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. - Hebrews 11:4-12.
The things we did in our lives will live after us. Hence, the lives of the examples of others we read of in the Bible can have a profound impact on our lives. While we read of many faithful people in the Bible, likewise, and on the other hand we also receive warning to avoid the mistakes of others:
"Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." - 1 Corinthians 10;6-11 NJKV.
As we reflect back upon our lives we can think of events done by parents, brothers & sisters, friends, teachers, stories in the media and many many others who have affected our lives either for goodness or sorrow. The fact that how we behave and the type of fruit we bear may have a great impact on others should be a pretty serious concern for us.
The ultimate life that has guided more lives than any other is that of the LORD Jesus Christ; His love, His spiritual nature, His honor and His loyalty are beyond words, no one can or will ever be as noble. While on the road to Damascus, the influence Jesus had in changing Paul's life should be similar to how He changes ours.
Dear reader, therefore do not let your life conform to this world which is passing away, but let it be transformed to do that which is good and pleasing in the sight of God. Fix your eyes upon the loveliness of Jesus:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20.
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