Christian Foundations

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. --Proverbs 11:30

Years ago, an article was published that cited a number of men whose faithful witness through books and pamphlets had brought many people to the Lord. The influence of each author led to the changed life of another.

Richard Gibbs, an elderly Puritan doctor, wrote The Bruised Reed. A copy came into the hands of Richard Baxter and resulted in his conversion. Baxter later authored a volume titled Saints’ Rest and Call to the Unconverted. By it many sinners were led to Jesus, including Philip Doddridge.

Doddridge became a famous preacher, hymn writer, and the president of a theological seminary. Doddridge wrote the well-circulated book, The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, which proved a rich blessing for countless people.

William Wilberforce read it, was convicted of sin, and became a Christian statesman. After being instrumental in freeing slaves, he penned Practical View of Christianity. This changed the life of Leigh Richmond.

Richmond became a world-famous writer of tracts that influenced thousands to seek the Lord. Yes, the “fruit of the righteous” is a “family tree” of converts who keep branching out to others. You also have probably greatly influenced the life of someone at one time or another. But don’t stop now!

There are young men and women who still need the mentoring and wisdom of someone who has lived a great life of faith. Through your witness, you could be helping to nurture the next Annie Armstrong, Charles Spurgeon, or Billy Graham. If you are a follower of Jesus and have an intimate relationship with Him, then you have wisdom to share that could change someone’s life.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to make you an incredible influence in the life of someone else for His glory!