Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.

Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Heb 13:7 ESV) 

A couple of weeks ago, we ran into an old friend and his wife while visiting my mother at the Care Centre where both his parents and my mother are residents.

Our hugs then turned to conversation as we reminisced about influential people who had changed our lives.  Many of them were now gone; some were residents, along with our parents, in this very Care Centre.

Most were from our small Bible church in that same town.  Their influence ranged from pastors to teachers to family friends to employers to those who simply prayed for us (and we took up a lot of prayer time, I’m sure!)

The writer of Hebrews urged us to remember our leaders.  “Leaders” in this verse may refer specifically to someone in a specific capacity of leadership as an Elder, pastor, shepherd, etc.  But it may also refer to someone of significant spiritual influence.  So a proper rendering of this verse may be, “Remember those who influenced you in your faith.”

By inviting us to consider the outcome of their way of life, the writer recommends a life-long process.  In other words, we don’t just become enamored with the latest Christian speaker that “wows” us.  We observe a life, a whole life, the outcome of their chosen path of life.  And, when that outcome is considered worthy, we imitate their faith and not their life.

Next week is Thanksgiving.  I can think of no better time than this to list those influencers of our life of faith.  Go ahead.  Do it.  Pick up your pen.  Start a file.  Begin now.  Let the tears flow if necessary.  What a tribute!

Being thankful for all the “stuff” that surrounds us … can wait.  Begin with the people without which you would not be able to begin at all.

“Thank you, Father, for Dad, for Mom, for Pastor Jim, for Lowell, for Rosi, for Dr. Burkholder, for Dr. Grounds, for Bryan, for …”