Wednesday Wisdom With Wyndham – 37

Wisdom Knows You Never Outgrow Leading by Example

When Wyndham and I were dating I was very “artsy and craftsy.” Decoupage was a popular craft, and one day I presented Wyndham with a homemade decoupaged plaque that read, The world has yet to see what God will do with and though and for and by the man who is fully and totally consecrated to him. I will strive my utmost to be that man.

It was nothing beautiful to look at, but Wyndham was thrilled with it because of the message. He has referred to that plaque many times throughout his life—as has lived that message and striven to be that man. 

He strove for this, not because he wanted to be a leader, but because he desired to please God. He delighted in God. He longed to fulfill God’s purpose for his life—fully confident that God had a true purpose for his life. He strove to continue to grow and to dedicate his life to this higher purpose (consecrate himself).

Because of this, his life has impacted countless people for God.

It would be easy, now that he is ill and can’t “do” much, to just think about himself and his difficult situation. After all, he spent most of his life serving God. Time to sit back and think about me. I’ve served a long time and am tired and ill. Let my past be enough.

However, as many days as God gives him I see Wyndham fully and wholly consecrating himself to God—praying God will still work with and through and for and by him.

When things are hard, or when we are older, or when have been a disciple of Jesus for a long time it can be easy to think we’ve served long enough and have stored up enough “good deeds” to last for a lifetime. However, wisdom knows you never quit leading by example.

Leading by example in attitude. In purpose. In kindness. In love. In contentment. In gratitude. In courage. In integrity. In concern for others.

Jesus never quit. On the cross he forgave. On the cross he thought of his mother and of his dear friend, John. On the cross he thought of you and me, and the satisfaction our changed lives would bring his anguished soul.

When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. (Isaiah 53:11 NLT)

After he was resurrected he cooked breakfast for his disciples. He walked and talked with them. He loved them. He believed in them and entrusted everything to them. His action as he ascended was to bless them.

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

Jesus never quit leading by his example—thinking of others all the way to heaven.

Wisdom knows that you never outgrow leading by example.

 

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11 Comments

  1. Annie Rivera Jeter

    That you for the message to lead by example. God bless.

    Reply
  2. lizzylit

    Love this.

    xoxo et >

    Reply
  3. Kitty Chiles

    Jeanie- I love the NLT version of Is. 53. Mostly I love that photo of you two! These blogs are treasures as are you both. Love, Kitty

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Reply
  4. Jennifer Enriquez

    Hello, I would like to change the email address this blog is sent to. I’m not sure how to do that so I’m replying to the email. Instead of Chuzjoy@gmail.com I’d like it to go to joyfuljenny208@gmail.com If I need to do something different please advise. Thank you so much for your help and for this blog! Love your sis in Christ Jenny Enriquez

    On Jan 24, 2018 4:40 AM, “My Morning Cup – Refilled…” wrote:

    > jeanieshaw posted: “Wisdom Knows You Never Outgrow Leading by Example When > Wyndham and I were dating I was very “artsy and craftsy.” Decoupage was a > popular craft, and one day I presented Wyndham with a homemade decoupaged > plaque that read, The world has yet to see what God” >

    Reply
    • jeanieshaw

      Jennifer, I think you will have to change this from your end. I don’t think I can edit your address. Did you try going into the follow blog area? Thanks for the encouragement.

      Reply
  5. Karen

    Have loved getting to know Wyndham and you through these posts. Have always heard about Wyndham from Sheridan Wright. Wyndham certainly impacted Sheridan in his leading by example. This one is especially beautiful as it costs to the core of what Jesus did for us to the end. Thank you Jeanie for your love and devotion to Wyndham and king Jesus and through using your writings and asking others to write to encourage everyone.

    Reply
  6. Debbie Mackie

    I, too, love this picture and remember well this young couple! We’ve all been through a lot since then. This lesson is so good and timely as our younger generation is learning from our example as we live our lives in faithful service to God. May He say to us all, “Well done.”

    Reply
  7. Jennifer Lambert

    Thank you for the reminder that we have not finished our race until we are in heaven. I pray to follow the example you and Wyndham are setting of bringing glory to God until we are with Him in our true home.

    Reply
    • jeanieshaw

      Thanks, Jennifer. Love you.

      Reply

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About Jeanie Shaw

After retiring from forty-five years in full-time ministry, Jeanie Shaw went back to school to earn her master’s and doctorate in spiritual formation and discipleship. She also serves as a certified Christian life coach who loves helping people discover the joy, peace, and purpose that come from finding and following God’s plan for their lives. She has taught classes and workshops all over the world and has written numerous books. She has four grown children, eight grandchildren, and a golden retriever who thinks he is human. When she is not reading, writing, coaching, teaching, or enjoying her family she might be found walking along rivers, learning new lessons about life.

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