power of example

Jesus, Master, even though I keep forgetting it, I am somebody's hero. Someone is looking at me and judging Christianity by my life. I just can't change it; i can't say, "I don't want anybody to be influenced by me!" -The fact is that people are! I can't remain neutral. Those around me are better for having known me or they are worse. They either love You better for my cheerfulness and charity, dear Lord, or they love You less for my sourness and self-pity and rudeness.
Dear Master, Paul inspired Timothy from a ditch-because he was real and true to what he believed. Make me true! Let me live and radiate the Gospel of love.
- from My Meditations on Saint Paul by Rev. James E. Sullivan, M.S.