Pr. 20:7: “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
I witnessed an amazing baptism yesterday that was a testimony to this verse.
Several years ago, a man stood at the funeral of one of his friends and gave his life to the Lord. This “good ol’ boy” turned his back on adultery, alcoholism, you name it. Since the day God changed his heart, his life has not been the same. I’m proud to say he has been an active member of my church ever since.
His aims in life are to love and take care of the weak and helpless, and to tell everyone about the Lord and the Lord’s faithfulness. He lives his life in complete faith, trusting God for his every need. Honestly, watching his life is like watching the verses in the Bible about true faith come to life. A 5-minute conversation with this man is really all it takes to hear about some amazing provision he has witnessed or experienced. He is full of praise.
He is not alone is this walk. His wife is ever by his side, supporting, praying, believing, and loving. She is truly beautiful. She loves the Lord her God with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength. I can honestly say that her adornment is the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. This couple invests their lives into everyone around them. They walk in their integrity.
Yesterday, one of their sons was baptized along with his wife and his own young son. 3 generations now declaring that their lives belong to the Lord! Did this happen by accident? Not a chance.
As I watched this man’s young family declare their submission to Christ, I was caught up in the beauty of the testimony of their choices. Had that father/grandfather not changed his life and begun to walk in his integrity and love of the Lord, who knows where that young family would have been yesterday. Certainly God can save anyone at anytime; however, the choices of the parents of this young man doubtless pointed him and his family toward the cross. Praise God!
As proven in this man’s life, if you are walking in your integrity with the Lord, your children will be blessed. It is clear that this man’s children, and grandchildren have been blessed by his choices. Maybe you don’t even have children or grandchildren. Even if the generation behind you isn’t your flesh and blood, there are generations coming after us all. If you’re invested into any young person’s life, your influence carries weight.
Where do your footprints lead? Are you pointing others to Christ? They may not even be born yet, but those who follow are counting on you. One day you may have children and grandchildren. Where will you have led them? In whom will you have taught them to place their hope, trust, and faith? Will your life and your choices cause them to be blessed?
Encouraged,
jamie
considering the word 