ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   Yesterday I cleaned the windows on my camper shell to get ready for a road trip.  Today when I drove my truck I was amazed at how much better the view was in the rear view mirror.  Since I don’t drive looking through my rear view mirror, I don’t pay attention to how dirty that back window gets.  If my windshield were that dirty, I would have cleaned it long ago.

   Application: If we’re walking forward in our life without paying attention to the example we set for those behind us, there’s no crisp image – just a dirty, hazed-over example.  Perhaps we could use a glance over our shoulder once in a while to see if anyone is following.  If no one is following, perhaps your example needs some Windex.

   George Bernard Shaw said, “Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”  And I might add…you are also the window through which others are watching.

   You see, example is not the main thing that influences others…it is the only thing.  Our example influences far greater numbers than our words, money or power.  Ever once in a while someone will say, “Thank you for your good example.”  That’s when our ears perk up we re-examine what we just did that brought the comment.  But the truth of the matter is that they are watching ALL the time.

   Now here’s the wake-up call.  People remember your bad example more than they do your good example.  And when you mix good with bad examples, confusion results and they quit looking to you as a guide.  The remedy?  Walk with Christ and you will begin to have a more consistent good example.  The simple question: WWJD (What would Jesus do?) has been a pretty good prompter for a lot of people…but then again…you must be willing to follow the answer to that question from the heart!

   Ever once in a while, look through your rear view mirror…and keep the window clean!

A Message from HOPE’S

Marriage & Family Ministry

ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   Yesterday I cleaned the windows on my camper shell to get ready for a road trip.  Today when I drove my truck I was amazed at how much better the view was in the rear view mirror.  Since I don’t drive looking through my rear view mirror, I don’t pay attention to how dirty that back window gets.  If my windshield were that dirty, I would have cleaned it long ago.

   Application: If we’re walking forward in our life without paying attention to the example we set for those behind us, there’s no crisp image – just a dirty, hazed-over example.  Perhaps we could use a glance over our shoulder once in a while to see if anyone is following.  If no one is following, perhaps your example needs some Windex.

   George Bernard Shaw said, “Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”  And I might add…you are also the window through which others are watching.

   You see, example is not the main thing that influences others…it is the only thing.  Our example influences far greater numbers than our words, money or power.  Ever once in a while someone will say, “Thank you for your good example.”  That’s when our ears perk up we re-examine what we just did that brought the comment.  But the truth of the matter is that they are watching ALL the time.

   Now here’s the wake-up call.  People remember your bad example more than they do your good example.  And when you mix good with bad examples, confusion results and they quit looking to you as a guide.  The remedy?  Walk with Christ and you will begin to have a more consistent good example.  The simple question: WWJD (What would Jesus do?) has been a pretty good prompter for a lot of people…but then again…you must be willing to follow the answer to that question from the heart!

   Ever once in a while, look through your rear view mirror…and keep the window clean!

A Message from HOPE’S

Marriage & Family Ministry

ADVICE DAD NEVER GAVE YOU

Ralph Sorter

   Yesterday I cleaned the windows on my camper shell to get ready for a road trip.  Today when I drove my truck I was amazed at how much better the view was in the rear view mirror.  Since I don’t drive looking through my rear view mirror, I don’t pay attention to how dirty that back window gets.  If my windshield were that dirty, I would have cleaned it long ago.

   Application: If we’re walking forward in our life without paying attention to the example we set for those behind us, there’s no crisp image – just a dirty, hazed-over example.  Perhaps we could use a glance over our shoulder once in a while to see if anyone is following.  If no one is following, perhaps your example needs some Windex.

   George Bernard Shaw said, “Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.”  And I might add…you are also the window through which others are watching.

   You see, example is not the main thing that influences others…it is the only thing.  Our example influences far greater numbers than our words, money or power.  Ever once in a while someone will say, “Thank you for your good example.”  That’s when our ears perk up we re-examine what we just did that brought the comment.  But the truth of the matter is that they are watching ALL the time.

   Now here’s the wake-up call.  People remember your bad example more than they do your good example.  And when you mix good with bad examples, confusion results and they quit looking to you as a guide.  The remedy?  Walk with Christ and you will begin to have a more consistent good example.  The simple question: WWJD (What would Jesus do?) has been a pretty good prompter for a lot of people…but then again…you must be willing to follow the answer to that question from the heart!

   Ever once in a while, look through your rear view mirror…and keep the window clean!

A Message from HOPE’S

Marriage & Family Ministry