They Follow In Our Footsteps

But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. Psalm 73:2 

  

  One of my favorite stories was told by my great-grandmother. On the mountains of eastern Tennessee, there was a few inches of snow one winter. A man was out in his yard and noticed something going on behind him. Turning around he found his young daughter. He asked her what she was doing. She said: “I’m following in your footsteps”. In a moment of revelation, the man said to her: “Then I must give you better footsteps to follow in.” 

  My great-grandmother related that she was so impressed with that man. He turned his life around and became a wonderful example for his children to follow after. 

  I have been thinking much lately about all the good Christian examples in my life. The strong Baptist Preacher I grew up with who was so calm and mild-mannered. My Sunday School teacher of that same church who was a soft-spoken godly man. The adult Sunday School teacher of my later years who had such a passion for the word of God that it was contagious.  

  Godly people stand out in our lives and our memories. We look up to them. We want to be like them. And I think we make a mistake if we do not realize people are also watching us, looking at our behavior, as we influence the lives of those around us. 

  The footsteps we walk in are important. There must be less of us and more of Jesus in our lives. I cringe at the times there was too much of me and too little of Jesus in my life and behavior. Our testimony matters. Our life and the way we live it matters. Let’s be an example that the Lord Himself would be proud of. Let’s walk in a way that pleases our Master. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, too often we make life about us rather than about You. Forgive us, and help us to leave wonderful footsteps others follow in. Amen.