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Genesis 7:1

¹Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.

Noah's relationship with God affected his entire family. The same was true for the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:34) and the centurion that sent for Peter (Acts 10:24, 33). One person in a real relationship, who is walking with God, will touch the lives of those closest to him or her. We can't help but affect those in our family for better or for worse. Our rebellion against God will encourage others to do the same, or our increasing relationship with God will draw them to Him.

Noah stood out in his generation as a man who would not give in to the culture. He heard from God and lived in a radically different way. His family followed him by faith, but when the rain began to fall, their faith became sight. They realized Noah's faith had an effect on life in the real world. It meant their salvation. They probably never doubted Noah again. The blessing for Noah's obedience fell on them as well.

Have you thought of how your life is affecting your family and friends? The second letter of Peter calls Noah a preacher of righteousness (2Peter 2:5), but we don't have any record of his preaching. Perhaps it was Noah's very life each day as he built the ark and lived differently from the world around him that proclaimed the message of righteousness. Is the way you live each day drawing people to, or repelling them from, the God you proclaim?

Prayer: Lord Almighty, help my relationship with You be winsome to those who see my life, especially my family. Help me not to conform to the world, but to obey Your word. Draw me close to You throughout each and every day; I ask according to the will of Jesus my Lord.