Day Sixty-four

“Join with others in following my example, brothers and take note of those
who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Phil. 3:17)

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:17–21

In July 1969 we observed an incredible event. We sat in stunned silence as man set foot on the moon. Neil Armstrong wore the first boots to ever disturb lunar dust.

Armstrong was an unlikely candidate for the honor; he was the first civilian to enter the astronaut training program. After his history-making trip, he never returned to the moon. But it didn’t really matter. Today his footprints remain. The moon has no wind or rain to displace them. Until God, Himself, blows them away, Armstrong’s steps are safely established on that distant surface.

On planet Earth, we have no such conditions. Here footprints don’t last long. The apostle Paul left footprints bronzed in the Word of God, but through the Spirit’s inspiration, he calls on others to leave marks for future sojourners to follow.

Over and over in Scripture God calls His people to be faithful to teach all generations His principles. He doesn’t just call on parents to teach their children. He entrusts the entire present generation of His people with the calling to teach those who follow.

None of us will argue that the next generation is at great risk. Our youth are unlikely to open the pages of Scripture and follow the apostle’s example unless they’ve been personally challenged by a living, breathing example of one “walking the walk.”

Many past men and women left “marks” for others to follow. For some of us, Tozer, Corrie Ten Boom, and Spurgeon are familiar names, but few young people know these authors. The winds of time are blowing. Their faithful footprints are fading—just as God planned. He has not given us the luxury of depending on giants of the past. God wants fresh prints left by every generation for the next to follow. Now it’s our turn. Our youth are desperate for examples of passionate, authentic believers.

Can you think of a few good candidates to leave fresh prints? Forget them. I’m asking you. Will you step out in faith, become more visible and deliberate, and allow your feet to leave footsteps others can follow to Christ?

I don’t suppose Neil Armstrong felt especially adequate to leave the first prints on the moon. When Billy Graham met with his first president, he probably felt inadequate to advise the most powerful man in the world. While Mother Theresa gazed at India’s endless sea of poverty, I can’t imagine she felt very adequate to help. But each of these individuals left prints that continue to deeply affect their generations.

We don’t have to begin by doing something outstanding. Just start by being more deliberate about setting godly examples. It is not our responsibility to look behind and see who’s following. It is our responsibility to leave prints worth following.

Go ahead! Stir up a little dust. Those boots are made for walkin’.