Who are/were your influences?

[melinky]

I was mentioning to my Bible study group tonight how impressed I am with the spiritual maturity of the young people on this message board. They asked me who influenced you most in your walk with Christ. Since I didn't know, I said I would ask.

As for us old folk, the question stands for you too?

For me, there were two major influences. My best friend Julie, who I often mention, is probably the first and foremost. Though she is never "in your face" about her relationship withChrist, she never hesitates to give praise for the good things in her life to her Lord.

The second is what really defined what I was searching for in Christ and believe it or not, it came in the form of one of those annoying forwarded emails. I'm sure you all read it, it began circulating not long after 9/11 and it was about the faith of George W. Bush at the National Cathedral three days after 9/11. This is the line that intrigued me:

I have never seen a more peaceful face than Laura Bush, whose eyes seemed as though they were already gazing at the final outcome... not just of this conflict, but of her reward in Heaven itself.

I can still see Laura Bush's face that day; the look of peace in a time of turmoil and confusion. I wanted that sense of peace for myself and knew that I would find it in Jesus Christ. I don't know if I've completely found it, but I believe I'm close, I think it's just a matter of learning how to let go of the last few things in my life that I feel I'm in control of. Hmm, it sounds simple enough...

[fairbank]

Excellent question!
The woman I married was a primary inflluence. Shortly after meeting her, (I was an atheist at the time) she invited me to come to church with her, and so to remain gentle with me, she introduced me to "father figures", men my dad's age, who witnessed to me me regularly. At the time, I was just finishing a stint as a professional fighter, and was an angry, aggressive person. Two brave men, Tom and Jerry (no joke) came over to my house and witnessed to me while I was assaulting my punching bag. Another godly man my father's age visited me while I was ill for a few weeks. He was confined to a wheelchair and left a strong impression as well. Thank God for my wife, and the men of faith she brought into my life.

[Soulfyre]

Since I am also privileged to know your wife, and the godly and kindhearted woman that she is (not to mention that her loveliness is not skin deep), I also praise God for her presence in you life. God has blessed you abundantly, my brother.

God bless and keep you both in His love,

Matthew (soulfyre)


P.S.: Incidentally, I might mention to the forum at large that fairbank has been and continues to be a great influence on my life (second only to Francis Schaeffer), as is his dear wife. Their sincere love for one another and for our Lord is a blessing. I have known them since seminary, and consider fairbank to be my pastor, brother, and friend. His presence in my life has been a gift from God, and his patient discipleship has made a great difference to me.

I have made fairbank a moderator of the "Men of God" board, and believe me, his wisdom is up to the task! I know, however, that his time is limited, since he has a full-time job in addition to part-time pastoral responsibilities at a small church. But God has given him a pastor's heart.

Thank you, fairbank, my brother, and thank your dear wife. And God bless you, your family (and LUCEE-E-E-E)!

From your brother and friend,

Matt