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September 15, 2008

Setting the Pattern

I KNOW SOMETHING about patterns. Among my earliest recollections are those of my mother using a pattern to make a dress for herself or shirts for her seven sons. I also remember my father using a rafter as a pattern to cut other rafters to be used in buildings on our farm.

Later, when I was employed by the LeTourneau Company of Georgia, I saw again the extensive use of patterns in making the huge earth-moving equipment for which this company was famous.

In these instances I learned two important truths. First, the pattern is an important guide; and second, the limitations imposed by the guide must be followed closely if a true reproduction of the pattern is to be achieved.

I cannot help reflecting that if these two laws are valid, there is a tremendous responsibility placed on the child of God to be good reproductions of the pattern set by Christ. A real Christian may be the only pattern of Christ that many in the world will see.

Let us, therefore, be good patterns. Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

(Excerpt from Toccoa Falls News, January 1961)

(By Rev. Troy Damron (1915-1989) Toccoa, Georgia, TFC Alumnus, TFC Faculty and Administrator. Taken from the book: Leaves From the Tree God Planted © 2006 by Toccoa Falls College, p. 46-47)