The pastor of a church in a rural community had been complaining about not feeling well for several months. His wife finally persuaded him to see the local doctor. Concerned that he would not explain all of the details of his illness, she decided to accompany him.

After his examination, the doctor asked her to accompany him into an adjacent room. After a moment he said, “I really don’t like the way your husband looks.”

After a few moments she said, “I don’t either.” Then she continued in a hushed voice, “But he’s a wonderful pastor, a great husband and an excellent example for the children to follow.”

What gracious compliments! There are not many who measure up to his standards. However, we as Christians are challenged to live lives that are examples. Paul said that we “must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind” and “to let everything we do reflect the integrity and seriousness of our teaching.”

When we live according to God’s standards, we will be examples for others to follow. If we live according to His instructions, we have the right to be heard when we speak, teach or talk. Additionally, we can provide counsel and comfort with certainty to those who are discouraged and in need if we are faithful to His Word.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to live as an example of Your love, grace and mercy by doing good deeds every day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Titus 2:7-8 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Read Titus 2:7

A deacon was seen late one night washing a wall on a busy street. A policeman asked, “What are you doing?”

“Kids will pass this wall tomorrow on the way to school,” he said. “I don’t want their minds to be poisoned by the dirty words someone put here. So I’m washing them off.”

As you go through life you’re a blessing or a blight, a stepping stone or a stumbling block, a pattern or a problem.

The world pays more attention to your conduct than it does to your creed. Just one act of yours may turn the tide of another person’s life.

Wouldn’t you rather be one who cleanses than one who contaminates?

Prayer: Father, take from us all tainted thoughts, all devilish desires, all sinful sentences, and all wicked ways. Cleanse us, and grant that we may do nothing to shame our loved ones or Thee, our Lord: through Christ. Amen.

Luke asked his neighbor, “What did you give your horse when he had the colic?”

“Turpentine,” said Clem.

Two weeks later they met again. Luke said, “I gave my horse turpentine for the colic and he died.”

“So did mine,” replied Clem.

Sometimes, when you say too little, someone’s horse dies, or worse. And sometimes, when you say too much, tragic things happen.

There’s an art in saying the right thing at the right time. The person who’s mastered by Christ will be the master of his conversation.

The Living Bible says, “Your conversation should be so sensible and logical that…there won’t be anything to criticize in anything you say.”

Prayer: Be pleased, dear Father, to control and take charge of our thinking and talking, our plans and our purposes, bringing everything into harmony with Thy holy and perfect will: in Thy name. Amen.