Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good.
In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that
cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they
have nothing bad to say about us.
Anthusa lived from 330 to 374 A.D. in Antioch. Widowed at
the age of 20, she is remembered for her influence in the life of her son, John
Chrysostom, one of the greatest preachers and leaders of the 4th-century
church. Her contemporaries described Anthusa as cultured, attractive, and from
a wealthy family. Yet she chose to not remarry after her husband's death,
deciding instead to devote herself to rearing her two children, John and his
sister.
Anthusa provided for John the ablest teachers. Her
Christian example made such an impression on one of her son's teachers that he
exclaimed: "What wonderful women are found among Christians!'" John
later wrote that his mother not only taught her children to know and love the
teachings of the Bible, but also that her very life was a model of biblical
teaching.
A student of law, rhetoric and the Scriptures, John was
ordained by Bishop Meletius and later became bishop of Constantinople. A
zealous missionary himself, he inspired numerous others to serve as
missionaries. And he always emphasized that a crucial factor to effective
evangelism is for Christians to be living examples of Christ-centeredness. A
lesson he had learned from his mother Anthusa.
People are watching you to see if Jesus Christ DOES make
a difference in your life.
Are you setting an example to others?
Dear Lord, we pray that we would be the Christian example
to those around us today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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