A BRIGHT EXAMPLE

Did you know that street lighting was first introduced in Antioch, Greece in the fourth century? Other countries had streetlights in their cities as early as the eighth century. But it was Benjamin Franklin, the great American inventor, who introduced them to America.

While serving as the postmaster in Philadelphia, Franklin urged the city fathers to install streetlights in their city. However, they refused because it seemed too costly and had no value.

Franklin would not give up and hung a beautiful lantern on a bracket in the front of his home. As the people walked by, they realized the difference it made. They no longer stumbled or fell because it provided light for their path. It was not long before his neighbors recognized the value of his light and soon the entire neighborhood, and then the city had lights in dark places. Franklin achieved his goal, not by argument, but by becoming a “living example.”

People everywhere are looking for “living examples,” and ideas that work. If what they see makes sense, people will adopt “what works” and apply them to their lives. That’s why Paul encouraged Timothy to “set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

God’s Word works! And, when we apply it in our lives, people will see the difference it makes and want that same Light in their lives to guard and guide them.

Prayer: Lord, whenever our lives fail to live up to Your standards, we ask that You trouble our hearts and minds until we turn from our sinful ways and live Godly lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:      Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12