Life Above Reproach Testimony

By:  Charles Nickell

This is the third time I have been through the “Life Above Reproach” program.  It is the first time I was chosen to be a small-group facilitator.  This brought a new set of challenges for me.  The first two times that I went through the program, I was asked to focus on how my readings affected me.  But as a facilitator, I had the added responsibility of listening to the others in the group, encouraging them to participate more fully by asking questions that would draw out their deeper understanding of scripture.   I learned to trust my fellow group members by asking for help in understanding unfamiliar passages.

Although I still need to work on journaling my daily activities, I’ve been drawn into a greater awareness of how important it is for me to constantly evaluate my thoughts, words, and deeds in the light of scripture.  My daily reading encourages and draws me into a greater consciousness of how important it is to communicate with my Heavenly Father.  He is the source of all wisdom and strength; and for me to be able to counter what the world throws at me every day, this constant communion must be my number one priority.  The Life Above Reproach program gives me the opportunity to be God-guided instead of self, or other-guided.  We all think we know what we should do on a daily basis to be successful and happy; but without first going to God, our plans may end up being short-sighted, selfish, and incomplete.  God shows me what to do, not only for myself, but also what I can do for others.  Life is not just about me.  It’s about all of us, our community, our family with God, and this Life Above Reproach program which has elevated me to more clearly see this.

Praise the Lord!

Charles