Hebrews 13:7 – Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (NIV)

When my husband Ron developed diabetes, I knew he would be in for some lifestyle changes, but I didn’t realize just how much his disease would affect me.

All of a sudden, the Dairy Queen was no longer our best friend, and fruit became our dessert of choice. Because of increased heart risks, I switched to soft cooking oils and left butter in the store. I learned to cook with artificial sweeteners instead of sugars and syrups. A gentle walk took the place of a couch potato evening. Meals were put on hold while Ron checked his blood count or measured out his pills.

At first, I made these changes because I loved Ron and wanted what was best for him. However, just by supporting him, my own health improved. I cut my sugar intake and got some badly needed exercise. I was imitating Ron, and I was changed.

This is also true of our spiritual companions. We watch them make right choices in difficult circumstances, and we find that we are able to do the same. They are joyful in their everyday lives, and we begin to copy them. Whether we realize it or not, their way of life is becoming ours.

We are all someone’s leader. Our way of life is rubbing off on somebody today. Hopefully, we won’t leave a mark that we should have erased.

Prayer: Lord, when we walk, help us to rub shoulders with good deeds and not just good intentions. For Christ’s sake, we pray. Amen.

Brenda Wood brenda.w@nextcom.ca
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
blog- http://heartfeltdevotionals.wordpress.com
facebook page www.facebook.com/brendawoodspeaker
Author of:
Heartfelt, 366 Devotions for Common Sense Living

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca