Sometimes, after we have read or studied about one of the heroes or heroines of the faith, we may ask ourselves, “Would I have the courage to say and do the right thing in a difficult situation?” Women may wonder, “If my life were on the line, as Esther’s was, would I do the equivalent of approaching the king as she did, thus risking death if he did not extend his scepter?” Men may ask, “Would I really choose to spend an evening with lions on their home turf, or would I give up praying?”
We all have an idea of what we think we would do; we all know how we would want to behave in extreme circumstances, but all that is speculation until our faith is actually put to the test. However, it is proper to note those who conduct themselves as they ought, as Paul encourages us to do (Phil. 3:17).
Not all of the great examples are to be found in the Bible. We have some in our own age that are worthy of emulation for a number of reasons. Without using names (to avoid embarrassment), following are a few remarkable brethren that this author has taken note of over the years.
Of course, there was a board of directors who were also checking into various matters and a diligent secretary who was working closely with the teacher, but this woman was the one who handled complications, made decisions daily, and assured parents that the school would be a professionally-operated enterprise.
The first year had some rough spots, but most were satisfied, and enrollment increased the next year. By the third year there were 66 students, more than double the first year’s attendance. For the second year a principal was hired, but he stayed only one year, and the third year yet another person became principal. Things had gone so well that even parents who were not members of the church were sending their children.
Just before the semester ended two teachers went to the principal and told him they had concerns about the teacher who had initiated the program. The chief accuser was from the same congregation. The principal investigated the charges and determined that the two women simply used different teaching styles. He reported to the board what had occurred and thought that would be the end of it.
A few months later, however, two sets of parents informed the board that if this woman was not dismissed, they would not enroll their children next year. [There is a great need for more maturity in the church.] The board decided that the current school year would be this lady’s last. Some board members reminded their peers of the debt they owed this teacher and commented briefly upon loyalty, but it was obvious that the decision had already been made.
Then things turned ugly. Vicious comments were made about this teacher and her competency. Gossip made the rounds in the congregation of which she was a member. Ironically, the other congregation involved in the school defended her while those she knew best continued to assault her.
When the school’s only secretary for the three years was fired and not even allowed to finish the school year with only seven weeks left, she and her family left and went to another congregation (and nobody blamed her).
Many people assumed the teacher would leave, also. She did not. Despite all of the hateful comments made against her and despite all of the unjust criticisms, she finished the school year with grace and dignity. She and her family did not at that time leave the congregation. It is one thing to read in the Scriptures that we must not return evil for evil; it is quite another to resist the temptation. This lady should be noted as one who was strong in the face of adversity, one who did not attempt to retaliate against her enemies.
This church hired a man that seemed sound in the faith. For nearly four years things went along well, but then he began taking courses at a theology seminary, and in a very short time switched from conservative to liberal. This situation deteriorated even further when an elderly man, who was also a liberal (“I used to be like you conservatives”), moved there. The Bible classes became nothing more than an opportunity to make fun of and ridicule “legalists.” They would talk about great gospel preachers, whose names would have commanded respect among people of sense, and lambasted them and their Biblical preaching.
Things became so bad that faithful families quit coming to Bible study–not because they were angry and showing their contempt, but because they could not stand hearing the incessant reproaches week after week. They were compelled to study at home. They also prayed that this man would leave, and he did. As soon as another preacher came, they were happy to return to their Bible classes and a measure of spiritual sanity. They continued to be among the congregation’s faithful and were always an inspiration and an encouragement. Although they were nearly 40 years older than we were, we shared a special kinship.
Today, with so many people blindly and blithely following wolves in sheep’s clothing no matter what they teach or practice, this situation of 25 years ago seems extraordinary. Faithful brethren knew the difference between the Word of God and the doctrine of men. Actually, however, it was no marvel. They just reasoned, evaluated, and acted accordingly. One wonders today how it is that so many seem to have lost that ability. We ought to note those faithful, dependable families today and thank God for their faithfulness.
For the moment we shall leave the realm of anonymity and specify our own Agnes Shockey. Most congregations have a program of visiting, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, visitors do not return. When Claude Parker was giving an invitation one Wednesday evening, he mentioned what it was that stood out and prompted him to want to return: sister Shockey’s smile. Undoubtedly, the Bible class was good that evening, but genuine warmth makes a positive impression.
Most of our members know that Agnes has had some serious health problems these past several years, but her love of God and the church of Christ has not waned. She frequently listens to tapes of sermons, and recently came several Sunday evenings in a row. At least one person commented on the irony of the fact that so many who are healthy do not bother to come to worship while sister Shockey (with all her hindrances) loves to meet with the saints. Who says that women can’t preach sermons? Agnes is eloquent.
Many other women have likewise preached on love and dedication through their examples. How often do young mothers dress and bring their children to Bible study and worship each week without any help at all from their husbands? The unspiritual husbands often have no gratitude toward the God who made them or the wives with whom He has blessed them. If the boys grow up to be Timothies, it will be no credit to the Greek fathers, but rather the faithfulness of the mothers. NOTE these women.
Many others could be cited for their inspiration; the reader probably has a few faithful souls of his/her own that have been brought to mind. We need more examples of faithfulness, purity, and dedication to consider. We need more examples of maturity–especially as it pertains to resolving conflicts between brethren. And when we find them, they really ought to be noted.