Christian Example
Every year I receive many letters and e-mails from readers who say they’ve been influenced in some way by the stories in my books depicting the Amish way of life. In our modern world, where too much emphasis is placed on “things,” many people are searching for something that will offer them a slower pace and help them focus on the important things in life. The Amish and other Plain People have set an example for that, which is why I believe so many people are fascinated with and drawn to their way of life.
Just as the Amish have given us an example for living more simply, every Christian should set an example to the world, showing others a Godly way of life. Letting our light shine so that the world may see our good works will bring glory to God. Remember as you go about your day that you may be the only Jesus some of your friends, neighbors, and family will ever see. What we say and what we do is how we show others that Christ lives in us. We should all want to make a difference in other people’s lives. What are some ways that you might set an example for Christianity this week?
This reminds me of a saying that I love.
Share the gospel, use words if necessary.
See where the need is and if possible fill that need for someone. I took a meal to a widow that lives in our neighborhood and is alone. It’s not much work to fix a little extra to take to someone. Sometimes it’s nice to eat something someone else has made. When a person is by themselves they often don’t cook a meal. They might buy frozen entries to heat up in the microwave.
I am absolutely fascinated by the Amish people. My parents used to travel a lot before my Dad passed and we’re lucky enough to become friends with an Amish family. They were able to find out a lot about the Amish ways. In some ways I totally am in awe of the way they live. Much simpler than the pressures of modern day life. I wish I were able to live my life without the pressures.
I try to help a lot of people who are older and don’t have anyone to look out for them.Taking them out for a meal.baking cookies to take to them,sending cards and and calling them to make sure their okay and let them know I care and they are important in my life.
I love reading your books and other book about the Amish. I’m sixty four so when we were raised
my mom and dad lived something like the Amish. I can relate to how they live. My mother quilted all her life my children has her quilts. I quilt and now I give them to my grandchildren. We learned to can food for the winter. My mother took us to church. We lived a lot like the Amish. If people would teach there children all this today the world would be a better place to live.
Be a mentor to new Christians especially young people. Young people growing up in today’s world are searching for answers and we can have a positive effect on them.
As a christian I feel that if there is a need that someone has that I can help with, I feel we should do something for them. I have a single brother that doesn’t cook much but so loves homemade food or sweets. When cooking or baking I try to at least every other week add on to what I am making and take him a meal. I also have a few elderly friends that enjoy a visit. I take time quite often when my schedule will allow me to go & visit them. They seem to so appreciate that I take time out of my busy week to spend some time with them. It only takes an hour or so of my time to fit them in my schedule and the joy that you see on their faces makes you want to do it even more!
Thank you for this message Wanda! We have an unusual ministry on a daily basis, it is a restaurant ministry! As we go out to breakfast most mornings, we have 4 local restaurants we frequent. We are able to love and encourage the owners (private home owned businesses have a tough time), the servers and any of the employees. We thank them, we ask how they are, they will come and visit with us and share their hearts. To us our great joy is being available to the Lord to share the love of Jesus with people. We love the Amish simple way of life and how the families work together and care for each other. We have spent quite a bit of time in Amish country (Lancaster, PA) and love the people and the food! Your books are always a blessing and encouragement in the Lord.
. After my Daughter killed herself I feel that God is using me to reach out to those that are hurting. Or feel alone. There are so many younger people think there is no one that really cares.
I am a high school teacher. I can do kind things for my students. I tell them I love them all the time because no one else might never do that. I can do kind things for my parents too.
A great reminder to live simple. I’m afraid the world takes too much of our time with all that it offers. Lord, help us to remember to live our lives for you.
I often visit Lancaster, PA because of the peace and tranquility I feel when I go there. I am in awe at how they live without the things we have all grown to become accustom to. In my everyday life I have learned to share a simple handshake, hug or pat on the back to someone who is down and out. It amazes me how just that little gesture makes someone smile. “I pray that I may learn to live the abundant life. I pray that I may enjoy a close contact with God this day and be glad in it.”
I’m a crossing guard at an elementary school & I greet staff, students, & parents each & every morning by calling them by their name. It takes so little to be nice & greet people with a simple hello or a smile.
Our actions speak louder than words. I try to let others know that I appreciate them. It does not take but a moment to say, “Thank you”. A simple compliment such as, “You have a beautiful smile”, to the clerk as you check out at a store can make a difference in their day. I see beauty in God’s creation-pretty clouds, beautiful spring flowers, the sunrise, etc. and give thanks to Him for all my blessings.
I will use this week to pray for those that have not accepted Christ as their Savior yet. Also, I will show kindness and help those who need a lending hand the most.
I am so loving this book Wanda, I love that she takes her Aunts words of encouragement and brings it to fullness in her own life ! One should always put into action love and kindness !
Blessings
Linda
Proverbs 17:22 — “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
I try hard not to judge others when they are in a bad mood. The slow car in front of me, the person ahead of me a the store checkout that is taking FOREVER. Or someone who just is grumpy. You never know what they are going through!
My Bible Verse for the year that I’m claiming is Jeremiah 29:11 FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU. PLANS FOR THE GOOD AND NOT FOR DISASTER. TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE
Thanks for all your words of encouragement. Another great verse from Jeremiah… 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, I will shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” KJV
I try to give a smile to everyone I meet because their struggles are probably as bad or worse than mine. I will try to make it a point to go through the cashier’s line rather than self check-out so I can share a kind word with that person.
I will try and help anyone that needs it this week along with any animal that needs loving. And most of all Love myself
Even if you don’t know a person you can give them a smile. It will lift their spirit every time. I recently read a story of a man who dressed as a homeless person and went into a very large church. He was only greeted by three people. As it turned out he was soon introduced as their new minister. A lot of folks were very ashamed od themselves because of the way they treated him. There was a lot of repenting that day. (Never judge a person by their appearance.) Be a good neighbor by shoveling snow or even taking in their garbage can. I believe your favorite verse to be: Proverbs 17:22 — “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Dear Wanda, I love reading your books ! The way you tie Gods word into all your books is awesome and so encouraging. My husband and I enjoy picking up and taking some of the senior ladies in our little town Moscow, Idaho and taking them to church. We are part of a group of people that visit Nursing homes once a month, we go as often as we can. We enjoy visiting the seniors in their home and helping them in any way we can. Billie Scott is one we visit 2 times each week. She speaks of you often. She has become my second mom. May God Bless you and your husband as you continue to serve Him.
I work very hard to be the type of person that you mentioned in your journal. It takes a lot of prayer and a conscious effort to be aware that we are the light at all times and in all ways. How easy it is to blame a bad temper on a bad day or be rude because a clerk or someone else you deal with is rude. It is at these times we need to remember just as you mentioned we may be the only light of Jesus love the person may see.
Love this post! Showing kindness to everyone, a smile, a hug, prayers offered, a shoulder for support. I always say “let your love show”. Be there for one another.
I try to help people even though I’m not asked to. It’s something I do because I enjoy it not because I expect something in return.
every Christian should set an example to the world, showing others a Godly way of life. Letting our light shine so that the world may see our good works will bring glory to God. I volunteer to help others to let my light shine to the world. I am in charge of Mission and Service at our church and all our projects help others whether it be mittens and hats, food for a local food pantry, fixing lunch for our Veterans, helping the needy at Christmas to name just a few. Helping those in our community makes our light shine to others. We need to give of ourselves to others.
Treat people the way I would like to be treated. I also try to help anyone I see that needs help. Your favorite verse is Proverbs 17:22
Your favorite verse is Proverbs 17:22
I believe that all are children of God and should be treated as such. I smile at the stranger, who patience, even when in a hurry. I understand everyone has a bad day or could be going through troubled times, as we don’t know every person’s struggle.
As we go out of our homes every day we need to remember we are going out into the mission field. Every thing we do should be Christ centered. We are His representative to spread the gospel. Be ever mindful that you should act likeminded with Christ. To God be the Glory.
I like Gal 2:20 for your verse. I know it is mine.
I will try to use your favorite verse Proverbs 17:22 to help my husband through a medical crisis he is facing.
Mary Donmoyer says:
Do all that you can, as often as you can, whenever and wherever you can to make somebodies day brighter, Your favorite scripture is Proverbs 17:22
Mary Donmoyer says:
Love one another as God has loved you,
Your favorite scripture is Proverbs 17:22
Being kind, truthful, joyful, loving, and peaceful show Christianity.
After praying for the individual and their Need, I find a care of encouragement, get well, sympathy, etc. is a heartfelt way to touch their lives even if you can’t personally be there. My Mama always said she’d rather have a card than a gift.
I always include people that are in need of prayers.when I pray.
Marilyn
I try to be helpful to people in my life.
Joan
I always try to make things easier for people. When I have a lot of groceries and someone behind me in line, I always let them go first.
Marion
I hope that my actions … anything from a smile, greeting, and other interactions will make others feel special and appreciated. I think that is how Jesus drew people to him ….
Sometimes the way we live our life is the only bible a person may see. So let your light shine for the glory of God. When they see you praising God in the good times as well as in the rough times it can give hope and others just may seal him also.
Love to send cards to encourage folks.
Enjoy my email prayer list where requests are shared and folks pray for others they may have never met. It has been a blessing to so many.
I always look forward to reading your journals. They are a highlight of my day. I always let my light shine and also try to share what Christ has done in my life and also try to set examples for others and share with those who need things that they do not have.
You can never discount kindness. Even the smallest gestures are always welcome.
I think you shower people with kindness and love plus the word of the lord .
I always try to let my light shine for others and help people that might be less fortune than I am. The Lord says to let our light for him shine so that’s what I try to do! God Bless you and yours! Your favorite verse is! Proverbs 17:22
our youth group just gave a talk about how they were not going to give up anything for lent instead they were going to give something or pay it forward to others. They talked about how
might be a simple thing as helping more around the house, talking to someone that is sitting all alone, shoveling the snow for the eldery any random act of kindness. I thought this was a good lesson for us all. Favorite Verse of Scripture:
Proverbs 17:22 — “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Wanda believes that everyone needs a daily dose of humor, because laughter is good medicine.
I think a little extra kindness is a good way to share the love of Christ. We can never be too kind or show to much love.
I make bookmarks in the form of a cross on plastic canvas using baby yarn and when I send
cards i put a cross in them. people seem to enjoy that
I just wanted to say that I am so thankful that you have written these books. I do feel as though the Lord was calling to me when about 3 years ago I just happened to pick up one of your books at my local libraries.
See I am disabled and have been for 7 years now and since I can no longer work I do sit and read a lot. I have read everyone of your books and when I do I feel closer to the Lord, so thank you.
I would love a signed book and so I found your favorite verse and it it Proverbs 17:22 and it reads as follows “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
I am looking forward to your next book.
Sincerely
JoLyn
Show others you are a caring Christian by telling them about God and what he has done for you and also, encourage others with a kind word or help provide things they need if you are capable of providing that need they have.
Since my mother passed away in 2014, I’ve slipped away from some of my Christian values and ways, so it’s been a long time since I’ve let my Christianity show to others. But this week, God spoke to me and has helped me to realize I need to seek Him and ask Him to help me find my path again. I plan to pay it forward to a stranger in need this weekend.
Your favorite Scripture verse is: Proverbs 17:22 — “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
A very special and thought provoking journal entry. I love the part “you may be the only Jesus some of your friends, neighbors, and family will ever see.” Something to strive for and remember. I love to send cards to encourage someone and to let them know I’m praying for them.
Sometimes one is observed and you may not realize it. Example: My husband was in the hospital. Evidently he had mentioned to the nurse when I wasn’t present about our having met in a church. After watching our actions toward each other the nurse must have witnessed how much we love each other. I was visiting my husband’s room the following day and a young man training to become a doctor came into the room and he and the nurse were across the room chatting. They had no idea that I could hear any of their conversation, but I heard her say to the trainee, “I’ll tell you one thing. When I meet my next husband, it will be in a church.” The nurse never knew that I heard her, but I still remember her comment.
Your favorite verse is Proverbs 17:22 Mine is: “For all things work for the good of those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” I believe God does give Christians a purpose in life.
I always try to give everyone I meet a smile and a kind word of encouragement because you never know what kind of battles they may be facing or how that simple gesture might be just what they need to uplift them.
I love to give hugs and words of encouragement. this week, specifically, I can pay more attention to the words I speak to others, to make sure they are life-giving.
As a Christian I feel we have the important duty of spreading God’s love to others whenever we can. This might take the form of a special greeting to a stranger or encouragement to a friend that needs to hear a kind word. It might be a meal which I send to someone who needs help in that way. Often it can be helping my husband who is disabled with a task that he wants to accomplish himself but needs a boost…or helping him with life in general. Love and hugs go so far!
Do something nice for a stranger, it make you feel good. Always return a greeting from any one that talks to you. Do a good deed for someone.
Just finished “The Seekers” and I sure enjoyed it! Can’t wait until book 2 is out in August! I also read
the “Prairie State Friends” series, that was excellent as well! I so enjoy your books Wanda, they are hard to put down once I pick them up. I even read in the pickup while we feed cows! Thanks so much for sharing your gift with others! You brighten our days! 🙂
I made baked goods for Christmas last year for Christmas gifts and gave out . I think home made gifts are better then buying something. it shows it come s from the heart. I love giving something home made the store bought.