Lead
By Example
In everything set them an example by
doing what is good.
Titus 2:7
Returning home from deployment in
Afghanistan, Powerlifter and Bodybuilder Shawn Frankl felt led to
train out of ‘Big Iron Gym’, in Omaha, Nebraska, because the
owner, Rick Hussey, was a renowned trainer. That the gym was a two
hour drive from Shawn’s home didn’t deter him. But after ten
years, Shawn questioned whether he was making any impact there for
Christ. He and his wife, Melissa, discussed his concerns but agreed
to stay on at Big Iron. Shawn had never forced his faith on anyone at
the gym, especially Rick. He’d just lived it out, and over time
they realized he wasn’t a ‘One-Show Pony’…he believed in this
God he served.
Rick was a great trainer, and Shawn did
everything he was told. And because of Shawn’s commitment, Rick
respected him. So when Rick’s cancer reemerged, he asked Shawn who
he thought he should go to for treatment. Sensing the time was right,
Shawn replied, “Rick, the only way you’re really gonna get
fixed is to give your life to Jesus Christ.” Rick did just that…
Two months later, at Rick’s funeral,
hundreds of people showed up to honor the man they’d all respected.
Shawn had placed two-hundred Bibles on a table for anyone who wanted
one. The pastor concluded his powerful message by inviting those who
wanted to follow Rick’s lead to invite Christ into their hearts.
When the funeral was over not a single Bible was left. People had
indeed followed Rick’s example!
†
The result of Shawn’s willingness to
be Christ’s example at Big Iron Gym was Rick’s eventual
salvation. Because of Rick’s reputation as the preeminent trainer
in Powerlifting, people followed his advice. So at his funeral it was
only natural that many followed his example and invited Jesus into
their hearts. There will be people in Heaven who might have otherwise
perished because Shawn led by example.
What we do as Christians matters. How
we represent our Savior will have an impact on those who are
watching. Like Shawn, we are meant to lead others to Christ by
the example we set.
Prayer
“Lord Jesus, teach me to
be a great follower so I can lead others to You. Amen.”
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