Setting an example by what we do - Hebrews 12:2 with a story from the life of Robert E. Lee

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

STORY:
One Sunday morning in 1865, a black man entered a fashionable church in Richmond, Virginia. When Communion was served, he walked down the aisle and knelt at the altar. A rustle of resentment swept the congregation. How dare he! After all, believers in that church used the common cup. Suddenly a distinguished layman stood up, stepped forward to the altar, and knelt beside the black man. With Robert E. Lee setting the example, the rest of the congregation soon followed his lead.

OBSERVATION:
Each of us sets forth an example for others to witness. We never know what eyes might be on us. We never really know what they are looking at or for, but nevertheless they are looking. Some of those who are looking know others, others probably not. But in every case we are setting an example for others to follow.

Life is filled with challenges – some of the easy, but most of them rather hard and difficult. Facing these challenges takes a great deal of internal fortitude and commitment especially if we desire to meet them head-on with victory.

If we look to Jesus as the model for our behavior we will bring the victory every time. I’m not sure about the depth of relationship the Robert E. Lee had with Jesus, but this one thing is for sure – he was in church that Sunday and he had the internal fortitude to do what needed to be done. Others followed because in their eyes Mr. Lee set the example. Who will do what should be done by following our example?

PRAYER:
We acknowledge that our faith is a gift from you gracious Lord. Help us to be worthy of this sacred trust by living out the life that Jesus has set before us not simply because others are watching, but because of the gift of faith is becoming a living spring in us. Amen.