Torch, Summer 1983

The Times and the Seasons by Pat Landers Dixon J ohn Ed Robertson stated in the Discipleship Journal , "Truth is best communicated when it is presented simultaneously by example and precept. " My husband began to affect my life over twenty-five years ago. He began building into my life early during our courtship days of 1957 and onward . I experienced that effect through various stages. I first began watching Paul Dixon; then I began listening to what he had to say. Next, I realized that I had begun receiving what he was and believed him. The final stage proved I was learning from him. Isn't that a valid , developmental process of discipleship? There were practical lessons my husband taught me. The breaker box in the garage does have some relationship to the electrical current in our house. Bream fish like crickets and catalpa worms for bait. The end of the week is not the best time to number all the checks I have written since the previous Monday. The most prized lesson I learned from this "discipler" was how to use certain "tools" in my personal Bible study. He did this as a true master teacher: by example and explanation. He shares his study and books with me. Sometimes, he comes very near to revoking this privilege when he finds my oil paints or odds and ends from my current craft indulgence stuffed in a study corner or in a cabinet. I have heard wives of pastors , other church personnel, laymen, and seminarians say , "My husband has time to teach his church and to disciple new Christians, etc., but he never takes me by myself and teaches me." How sad! I do hope some of these men read this article and reflect upon their responsibility in this area . 19 True, a husband may teach his wife while she sits among the listeners; individualized instruction is needed, too. Word studies are a favorite kind of Bible study for me. A particular word found in a verse or spoken in the pastor' s message may capture my attention. For example, I am beginning a study of the word "good" found in Titus 2:3 and 5. Women are to be teachers of good things. What are these good things? Mr. Dixon has introduced me to certain books for use in my study : Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible, W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, The New Englishman's Greek Concordance, M.R . Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament. He also suggests I read books which discuss current theological topics. After I read them, we talk about them, and I learn. In return for his teaching, I help him by scanning several religious magazines which come into our home monthly. Certain marked articles are left on his desk for him to read. They may contain information or topics for his preparation of messages. Or, there may be question marks in the margin concerning a statement which puzzles me . His building into my life through Bible study and memorization extended beyond me and included our son, Scott. Early in our child's life, his father set up a systematic study of the New Testament and a plan to encourage Scott to memorize Scripture. I remember when Paul showed his newborn son his books in 1962, and said, "Son, my books are your books. If you ever want to read them, just ask." At the time, his father's library was housed in two bookcases in our small apartment. This offer was carried through when Paul gave Scott a bibliography to aid his study of the Bible. After he read a book and reported its contents either orally or through a written page, a certain amount of money went into his college education bank account. Now , our son has begun his own library which will aid his study in college and seminary. I treasure the times of prayer with my beloved . We have prayed upon awakening , before drifting off to sleep, and while driving to some destination. His prayer life challenges and convicts me. Our son, when he was barely walking, observed his dad upon his knees. I can still picture in my mind's eye Scott's mimicking his kneeling dad at the side of the bed. Yes, he taught his son by example and precept. Not only does my husband love me, but also he loves people . His havihg a genuine concern for them anp his considering them to be "divine interruptions" into his busy schedule reflect Christ's example of love. God gave him the genial manner which attracts people to him. This aspect of his life has taught me . My gratitude to God for His enabling Paul to live a disciplined, consistent life before me and our son and to teach us willingly is hardly expressible . Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving him a heart to love, an ear to listen, and a tongue to instruct. •