Footprints Make a Difference

Every time my wife and I go to the East Coast and walk on a beach I am impressed with the footprints that we make.  We, along with many other people, have traversed seashores and left footprints in the sand.  However, the footprints that we make do not last.  A wave from the sea rushes in and erases the prints, or the rising tide soon deletes the footprints.

What is a footprint?  A footprint is an impression that is made by the feet of individuals or animals.  Human footprints do disappear, but do they ever remain?  Of course, this depends on what is meant by the word “footprints”.  You may have heard someone say that they are following in the footprints of someone they admire.  The reference is that they are following the example of someone who’s life has impacted them or somehow made a difference in their life.  Following in the footprints of someone means that they are following the attitude someone has or the action they have taken.  Throughout history, the person whose footprints have probably made the most significant difference in the lives of people are the footprints of Jesus.  What Jesus did, how He acted, and how He thought are examples which we are encouraged to follow.  In one of St. John's epistles, he says, “Whoever says he abides in him [Jesus] ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (I John 2:6, ESV).  The Apostle Peter says much the same: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (I Peter 2:21, NIV).  Notice that according to these two verses we need to live our lives by following the example of Jesus.

You and I leave footprints for people who come after us.  Those footprints are not ones that are found in the sand or dirt on which we walk.  They are found in the great work that God has done and continues to do which we emulate.  When we follow the instruction, commands, and example of Jesus, our footprints become strategic messages that are valuable for others to implement.  When we talk about how Jesus has listened to us, how He answered our prayers, how He has healed us, or how He has helped us, and given strength or encouragement – these footprints are indelible prints that have made a significant difference in our lives.  Think about these questions.  (1) How has Jesus left a footprint in your life?  (2) What individuals have made footprints which you would like to follow?  (3) What footprints are you leaving for others?

Used of God

In a small eastern community, a man named MacDonald was a one-man taxi service.  People quickly learned that all they had to do was to call him and he would get them to their destination on time.  Despite traffic jams, he knew the back roads, and no matter how late your plane was to arrive, Mr. MacDonald was there waiting for you.  He boasted that he had never had an automobile accident.  McDonald noticed his vision and reflexes were getting bad, so he decided to give up driving.  “I don’t want to be a menace to anyone”, he said.  And then he dropped out of sight.  No one saw him for quite some time.

One day a lady from that community had an appointment.  She couldn’t find a place to park on the street, so she had to park in the community parking ramp.  She didn’t like the thought of the ramp because it was known for “fender benders.” but she had no choice.  When she entered the ramp, she noticed that things were different than they were the last time she was in town – they were orderly.  She soon discovered why.  Mr. MacDonald was there directing each driver into a suitable space. Leaders of the community recognized that MacDonald’s safe driving experience could help them, so they asked him to take care of the parking ramp.  He was happy to do so, and they were happy that he agreed to help.  No one minded waiting in line because they knew they would be well cared for.  Thanks to MacDonald, the lady learned a valuable lesson.  God can always find use for a person’s talents if they are open to new directions.

Some people think that because they are not perfect, they might as well step aside and let others who are more qualified handle tasks.  However, one of the great mysteries of Christianity is that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will.  Notice the service factor from the following verses.

1)    Example.  Jesus set the example of service.  “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

2)    Age.  There is no age requirement on a person’s usability.  “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Use.  God wants us to serve.  “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10).

4)    Intensity.  Our service should be characterized by total commitment.  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
” (Romans 12:11).

What is it that you can do for the Lord?  It may be that God has an activity for you to do of which you had not previously thought.  Where are you when it comes to the service factor?  I trust that you will be open to being used of God – even as you grow older.

School is in Session

September marks the time when children return to the classroom.  As a school-age child, I remember the great anticipation I had to get back to school after the summer recess.  That anticipation was not because I had a desire to study, but because I wanted to be back with my friends, and I wanted to enjoy the many extra-curricular activities school provided.  Even though children may enjoy school relationships and fun events, the focus of school is education and learning.

When it comes to spiritual things it might be appropriate to say that school is always in session.  None of us will ever outgrow our need for education and learning about spiritual matters.  Ezra, the Old Testament priest, set the example for learning about God and growing as explained in Scripture. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

This verse suggests three aspects that characterized Ezra’s life which should also characterize ours as well.

1)      Specific Focus.  “Devoted” should be the task when Scripture is studied.  In addition, the study of God and His Word should be a priority.  We need to fully embrace God’s Word, have a strong love for it, and be focused on it.  Our commitment should be to learn all we can about God and His Word.

2)      Personal Application.  The outcome of biblical study should be the “observance” of the Word of God.  To observe means much more than simply acquiring knowledge about God.  To observe means to put into practice in daily living.

3)      Continued Involvement.  “Teaching” God’s Word to others needs to be an ongoing responsibility of all who study the Bible.  Whether you have the title of "teacher" or not, you teach by what you say and how you act.  In spite your age, God’s Word, when applied to life provides guidance and direction for you and for others.

Where are you when it comes to God’s Word?  Remember, your life is an example to others.  Are you devoting yourself to the study and observance of God’s Word?  My suggestion for you today is to take time to review the above verse.  Ask yourself, “What does God want me to do as I study God’s Word and apply it to my life?”  Don't forget that when it comes to Christian living, school is always in session.  Why?  Because there is always more to learn and put into practice. Your life will teach others.