"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show
integrity, seriousness." - Titus 2:7
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? Today in prayer, confess any sin in
your life and turn to the Lord and follow His example of goodness.
"I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with
me than merely tell the way." - Edgar A. Guest
God's Word: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an
example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."
- 1 Timothy 2:12
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2001, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN TITUS,
PHILEMON, AND JUDE
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