In 1702, Cotton Mather’s wife became terminally ill. He prayed for his beloved from morning till night for
seven months. His daughter died of smallpox during the early part of his trial.

In his words, “Finally the black day arrived….
the desire of my eyes is taken…. Two hours before she
died I took her two hands in mine and gave up the dearest in the world to the Lord.” He leamed much about
himself in these hours.

It is vital to know yourself. “Let no man deceive himself“. Corinthians 3:18. An accurate self-analysis is
important to anyone. There is usually a vast chasm between one’s reputation and his testimony. The
former is what men think, the latter is who God and you know.

Equally imperative is a proper assessment of others. We are “not to think of men above that which is
written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). “Have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3) is a faithful rule in the
proper assessment of others. God give us discernment.

Finally, recognize the appropriate person to emulate. Paul was justified in telling others, “Be ye followers
of me” (1 Corinthians 4:16). He explained in 1 Corinthians 11.1 that our “fellowship should be based on
his following of Christ.

There are men who are flowers in the gardens of our lives, legendary leaders who are mighty oaks in
the forests of our Christian walk; singular, snow.covered Everests in the mountain range of our religious
experience; even great glittering galaxies in the orbils of our universe. They lead by righteous example
and no one can safely walk in their footsteps as they tread in His nail-scarred steps.

-Evangelist Tim Green