Quoteworthy~"An Argument That None Can Escape"

"I believe that far more is done for Christ's kingdom by the holy living of believers than we are at all aware of. There is a reality about such living which makes men feel, and obliges them to think. It carries a weight and influence with it which nothing else can give. It makes religion beautiful, and draws men to consider it, like a lighthouse afar off. The day of judgment will prove that many besides husbands have been won 'without the word' by a holy life (1 Pet. 3:1). You may talk to persons about the doctrines of the Gospels, and few will listen, and still fewer understand. But your life is an argument that none can escape. There is a meaning about holiness which not even the most unlearned can help taking in. They may not understand justification, but they can understand charity. I believe there is far more harm done by unholy and inconsistent Christians than we are aware of. Such men are among Satan's best allies. They pull down by their lives what ministers build with their lips. They cause the chariot wheels of the gospel to drive heavily...Let us take heed lest the blood of souls should be required at our own hands. From murder of souls by inconsistency and loose walking, good LORD, deliver us!"

~Holiness by J.C. Ryle
(pp. 53-54)
emphasis mine

(note: Ryle is most likely addressing, especially, our influence on those around us in a general sense. However, as a parent, my first thoughts go to the influence I have right here in my own home with my own children. As he mentions, my littlest ones cannot fully understand justification, but they know when Mama is kind or unkind, patient or short-tempered....I do pray that our children will look at their Mama and Daddy and, despite all of our sins, failures, and mistakes, know that we strived to live that holy life that He has called us to and to be a Godly example to them in all things, fighting the fight and running the race.)