Teaching By Example - Anthusa

CA. 347–407

Children learn many things from their parents—some from their words, but more from their actions.

Relationships were important to Anthusa, and she taught this to her son and daughter. Her husband died when the children were young, and as a woman of class and substance, she easily could have married again—but instead she chose to focus on her children. As a result, her son, John, grew up with a broad education, a thorough knowledge of the law, the arts, and the politics of the newly Christianized Roman Empire of the mid-300s.

He also grew up with a deep faith of his own. In fact, John was planning to enter a monastery, but his mother asked him to wait. “Do not make me a widow a second time,” she said. “Wait at least till I die. . . . When you have buried me and joined my ashes with those of your father, nothing will then prevent you from retiring into monastic life. But as long as I breathe, support me by your presence.”

She wasn’t trying to keep him from following God’s leading, but she knew relationships were important. For the time being, he would serve the Lord by remaining with her. Later he did enter the monastic life, so extremely that it damaged his health. Then, returning to public life, he became a powerful church leader and a popular preacher, earning the nickname Golden Mouth, or Chrysostom.

At one point he used his speaking and relational skills to quell a violent tax revolt in Antioch. Later, in a turbulent power shift, he was pressed into service as bishop of Constantinople. With a reputation for upholding justice, he fought abuses of power in the priesthood and even the imperial court. Though he got in trouble for criticizing those in authority, John won widespread respect for a life of integrity and a commitment to solid relationships—things he had learned from his mother.

What are you teaching your children, or anyone who look up to you? Are you teaching them to treasure good relationships over life’s conveniences? Are they learning to live lives of integrity—not only from your words, but also from your example?

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9