The Value of Your Godly Example

The following quote is from G Holden Pike's biography of C.H. Spurgeon; vol 2, pgs 145-46.

"One of the largest Bible-classes ever collected was gathered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle; and the conductor, Lavinia Strickland Bartlett, was ranked by Pastor Spurgeon among his chief helpers. This lady was a widow, whose husband had died of cholera; and having commenced Christian work when quite a young girl, she went forward until her success in teaching a class of young women - first at New Park Street and afterwards at the Tabernacle - drew forth many an expression of surprise and admiration.

On a certain Sunday afternoon in the year 1859 Mrs. Bartlett consented to take a senior class which had only three in attendance; but after persevering for a month, notwithstanding she suffered from an affection of the heart, Mrs. Bartlett had the happiness of seeing the numbers increase to fourteen; and when the Tabernacle was opened in March, 1861, the total of the class had increased to fifty. Her first meeting in the new chapel was in the upper gallery, before it was finished; but eventually, after one room and then another proved too small to accommodate those who came , the lecture-hall was occupied, the class gradually increasing until over 700 would frequently be present. By the end of 1865 something like 600 persons had joined the church who came from this class.

Those who were thus willing to accept Mrs. Bartlett as their teacher were not all young women; the majority might be young, but many were elderly as the leader or even older. By her daily example as regards dress and other matters, this devoted woman sought to teach her following more effectively than by mere precept. The cases of reformation of character which took place were some of them very striking, and the converts came from various ranks of life".

Pike goes on to describe the activities and ministries of the class. My point is; dear Christian lady, what example are you putting before the women in your realm...are you teaching and are you more so giving the women an example of godly dress and word? Don't ever fall to the world's ploy that you must sound and appear as they appear. How often have I watched the world destroy testimony instead of enhancing it. Be Godly women in word and act.