Example

Example

So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.

Hebrews 12:12-13

In May 2003 I attended the memorial service of Dr. Andrew Chong. As I listened to four of Andrew’s children speak of the godly example their father left for them, I wished that the whole world could have been there to hear them. With his wife Catherine’s permission, I am sharing some of her children’s comments here.

Karen: “My dad delighted in me, and because of the way he loved me, I can better understand the way God loves me. My dad told me, ‘Think of God as your Daddy, except know that he loves you infinitely more.’ ”

David: “I remember one night when my dad prayed, ‘Thank you, Jesus, for saving me, thank you for living in me, thank you for my family, thank you for the cross, thank you for sending your Son to die for me. Thank you for a new life.’ ”

Sarah: “Dad, we’ll always remember you for your humble heart and your wise words . . . for settling our hearts when we were so unsure, and teaching us that we need God’s wisdom more than anything.”

Paul: “Multiple social workers had recommended to my mom and dad that they put Cindy, our disabled sister, into an institution. Instead, my dad wrote in his journal, ‘I know I can’t do that. I can’t put away my own kid, the one God gave me to minister to and nurture and love. . . . Cindy, YOU are our ministry. May God give us grace to serve you as we serve the Lord Jesus.’ ”

And serve Christ he did, by his example to his children.

Father,

Thank you for the example of parents like Andrew. Please give us your help to walk a straight path in front of our children. In the strong name of Jesus, amen.