Signs of Life- Steven Curtis Chapman

“These are the signs, these are the signs of life

The love that proves there is a living faith inside

These are the signs, these are the signs of life

The compassion and concern that makes this world turn

These are the signs of life

Signs of Life”

Growing up in a Christian household was a blessing in that I had parents I could look up to and see how to walk after Jesus. However, as I grew older, I began looking for other Christ- followers who could be role models to me.

The first of these role models was Bob. Bob was my youth group leader throughout my junior high years. During those years, I often didn’t have many friends. But, Bob was a friend I could always rely on- someone who I could I just talk to about life and just be myself. I loved Bob for him sharing his life with me and just be the presence of Jesus to me.

The second of these role models was named Dave. I was blessed to have Dave as my youth pastor in my junior high years. I absorbed every word from every sermon he preached, taking notes, determined to follow Jesus with everything within me. He lived out what he preached with a humility and selflessness that showed a man who really loved Jesus.

The third of these role models was Adam. Adam was my youth pastor in my high school years and also was my small group leader. I saw Adam sometimes 3 times a week throughout my high school years. I grew to admire and respect a man who loved Jesus with everything within me. I wanted to be like him as he followed after Jesus. I loved him for showing me how a walk with Jesus is supposed to look like.

There are countless other men and women who have supported me and encouraged me throughout my walk with Jesus. However, these three men were the hands and feet of Jesus to me when I didn’t have many friends. I was shy and took to adults more naturally. These adults also stood up in the gap for me while my peers weren't walking with Jesus closely. I don't know if I would still be following Jesus without the influence of these men.

“These are the signs of life

A love that's flowing from the heart

Where the grace of God has left its mark

These are the signs of life

The reaching out of a servant's hand

The giving that makes no demands”

These three men blazed a trail for this young man, but it is up for me now to blaze a trail for others. To blaze a trail for my son most of all, and show him what a walk with Jesus is supposed to look like day after day. But there are also others who are looking up to me and longing for someone to show them the love of Christ. I want to show to the world “ a love that’s flowing from the heart”- where the grace of my God has left it’s mark on me. To give of my abilities without demanding anything- just to strengthen, encourage others in their walks with God.

Who have been the people in your life who have showed the “signs of life” to you? Have you let them them know the impact they have made on you and your life?

If there are not many people who have showed these signs to you, you can still blaze a trail for others. Make an effort to be intentionally present in the lives of people you have a influence with-your family, your friends, your co-workers. Let people see Jesus in you- and see in you a life they can model themselves after. In doing so, may they follow after Jesus whole-heartedly and blaze a trail for others too just like you did for them.