Growing up in the home I lived in I had an older sister, but not an older brother.
When I left home to go to university I sent the following summer staying at someone’s house. Staying in anyone’s house as I’ve subsequently discovered is a big deal. Staying in a single man’s house is a massive deal because in essence I am crashing a very sacred time in a young single man’s life. That he allowed me to do and do it so graciously meant a great deal at the time. Since then my admiration has only grown for the risk he took with me.
The man looked out for me and showed me what it was to be an engaging, positive and constructive follower of Jesus. So many of the initiatives he was a part of people were drawn to him because of his ability to get things done in a proper manner. What kept people interested in him was not just charisma or charm, but a man who endeavoured to live with integrity.
It was great for me because he wasn’t as distant in age as my Dad and he wasn’t my age or younger. The bridge between where I was and where I was going as I got older was made watching this brother in action. He helped shape my idea of prioritising God and seeing that operate in an active church life.
It’s good having big brothers that l can look out for you, that can serve you and instruct you and be close enough to you to help you shape your life in Christ. There may be horror stories of relationships gone horribly wrong. I write to testify and give thanks for a great example of what it is like to be in the family of God where a brother is not a nominal title of someone we bump into once a week or longer. He is a brother in deed.
By God’s grace I hope to pass that great example onto those younger than me by being an example of care, support and encouragement in the Christian journey. Even as I continue to look up to my big brothers in Christ.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 