How important is it to be an “example” in the faith? Moreover, how important is it to have a good “example” to follow? Paul the Apostle wrote to his “son in the gospel,” young Timothy, that he was to be an example to others. He gave Timothy five areas of his life in which he should be exemplary: speech, conduct, love, faith, purity. In a few words Paul covered a broad expanse of life goals: how he talked, how he acted and lived, how deep his love was for God and for others, how committed he was in his faith, and with what purity not only was his life but his teachings.
To Titus he wrote that he should be “a model of good works,” another way of saying “bean example in the faith.” Titus was to be a model in teaching, holding to integrity (uprightness), dignity (honor), and sound speech (good doctrine). Paul knew that such sterling examples as he was urging Timothy and Titus to be would not keep them immune from criticism, but they would be blameless when people wanted to condemn them. Paul also wrote that he himself lived as an example: “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Philippians 3:17, ESV). Paul also wrote in 2:Corinthians 3:2-3: “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation written on our hearts to be known and ready by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (ESV).
Annie Johnson Flint was born December 24, 1866 in the little town of Vineland, New Jersey to Eldon and Jean Johnson. Her mother died when Annie was only three following the birth of Annie’s baby sister. At first her father got the widow of a Civil War veteran to look after his two little girls, but she was not very gentle with them. Later, he found a home for the girls with Mr. and Mrs. Flint. Then the girls’ father got an incurable disease and soon died. The orphan girls were adopted by the Flints, who were nurturing and loving to the girls. Annie did well in high school, thanks to “Aunt Susie,” (nor a relative but a teacher who lived near the Flints). Then Annie went to Normal School, taking a teaching course. She got a job for a three year contract and enjoyed teaching, but during that time she developed crippling and very painful arthritis. She had to give up teaching. Even though it was painful to write, Annie began to further develop her talents as a writer, especially in the area of poetry. She began working with the Sunday School Times, which linked her up with a worldwide fellowship of Christians. Many of her poems were published and read widely, wielding an influence for good in many Christian circles. Even though Annie Johnson Flint’s life was not easy, she maintained an optimistic spirit and shared faithfully her deep love for and faith in Christ. She died September 8, 1932. She wrote a poem about being an example. As you read it, think how you can be an example from whom the world can learn about Christ. May the poem inspire you as it did me when I first heard it as a teenager:
The World’s Bible
By Annie Johnson FlintChrist has no hands but our hands
To do His work today;
He has no feet but our feet
To lead men in His way;
He has no tongue but our tongue
To tell men how He died;
He has no help but our help
To bring them to His side.
We are the only Bible
The careless world will read;
We are the sinner’s gospel,
We are the scoffer’s creed;
We are the Lord’s last message,
Given in deed and word;
What if the type is crooked?
What if the print is blurred?
What if our hands are busy
With other work than His?
What if our feet are walking
Where sin’s allurement is?
What if our tongues are speaking
Of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him
Unless from Him we learn?*
(*Note: Some current printed versions render the last line: “And hasten His return?” However, older versions and her Sunday School Times brochure of long ago has the line “Unless from Him we learn.”)
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