And so you became a...
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"And so you became a model (an example) to all the believers...." For Paul one of the most important incentives for right behavior is to set a proper example for others who might only know of Christ and faith through us. Albert Schweitzer was once asked, "Teacher, what is the greatest principle of teaching?" Schweitzer answered, "There are three: first, example; second, example; third, example." On another occasion Schweitzer said, "Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
There was a trial in a small town. When the officials prepared to swear in the first witness, they couldn't find a Bible they had used for years. A quick search revealed nothing. Finally the judge called the bailiff forward and whispered in his ear. "Go down to the county clerk's office and get Ed." Ed had been an elder in the local church longer than anyone could remember. He was a shining example of what Christian faith is all about. In a few minutes the bailiff approached the bench with Ed in tow. The judge said, "Ed, you have communicated more of the Bible to more people than most of the Bibles in this town. You will make a good substitute for the one we can't find." And so the first witness placed his hand on Ed's head, swore the oath, and the trial began (Herb Miller in Actions Speak Louder Than Verbs, Abingdon Press, 1989).
-- Lentz
There was a trial in a small town. When the officials prepared to swear in the first witness, they couldn't find a Bible they had used for years. A quick search revealed nothing. Finally the judge called the bailiff forward and whispered in his ear. "Go down to the county clerk's office and get Ed." Ed had been an elder in the local church longer than anyone could remember. He was a shining example of what Christian faith is all about. In a few minutes the bailiff approached the bench with Ed in tow. The judge said, "Ed, you have communicated more of the Bible to more people than most of the Bibles in this town. You will make a good substitute for the one we can't find." And so the first witness placed his hand on Ed's head, swore the oath, and the trial began (Herb Miller in Actions Speak Louder Than Verbs, Abingdon Press, 1989).
-- Lentz
