Wake of Conversations
In my devotions I am currently working my way through Scripture using a new Bible with margins for notes. My goal is to write at least a little something on as many pages as possible along the way so that, when I am gone, that Bible can be left behind for my family. Maybe that sounds a little morbid, but I am wanting to make sure that even after I am gone, they can have reminders from me that continue to point them toward the Lord.
That is my job after all. As a father it is my role with my family. As a pastor it is my role with my church. As a teacher it is my role with my students. As a Christ follower this is my role, with all those I come into contact, along my journey.
As I have been reading through God’s Word, I have seen that reminder showing up regularly. Let me remind us of just a few places that speak to this role.
Deut. 6:6-8: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Psalm 105:1-2, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”
I Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It seems simple, but how meaningful it is to live a life full of conversations that point people toward the Lord. We tend to recognize that role in the sermons and teachings we prepare, preach and teach, but it is also accomplished through casual conversations around the dinner table, or at the coffee shop, or on our neighbor’s front porch.
The Bible that I am leaving behind for my family is a tangible piece that they can hold onto that reminds them of the conversations that we have had around the table, on long walks, in the car, around a campfire, over the phone, and other places where they have heard me talk about the Lord.
As I am writing this, I find an image forming in my mind of a speedboat, on a smooth lake, leaving behind a wake that points the direction that the boat is heading. What a beautiful image of the impact that boat has on the water. That causes me to consider my journey. As I am on my way through this life here on earth, may I be leaving behind a wake of conversations that constantly point the way that I am headed.
Rob Mapstone
Director of Recruitment and Placement