Be An Example, Not the Exception

Did you grow up hearing parents or other adults say, "Do as I say, not as I do"? Many are using this same contradictory phrase with their own children. Your actions should reflect your words so as not to confuse or become a stumbling block. Jesus said, "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea" (Mark 9:42). He was serious. Children are precious to Christ. There is great responsibility that comes with being a parent. 🌿🌿🌿 Children are natural imitators. They learn by doing what they see others do. The chief priests and scribes were not happy when a group of children shouted in the Temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David" as they watched Jesus perform miracles (Matthew 21:15 NASB). Where had they learned such praise? In the prior verses we read there were crowds who were present during Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. These crowds were made up of adults AND children. The children witnessed the same praise earlier directed at Jesus (Matthew 21:9 NASB). 🌿🌿🌿 In communication, 7 percent is verbal and 93 percent is nonverbal, and of that 93 percent 55 percent is body language. That is how God wired us. Even Jesus said, "...the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner" (John 5:19 NASB). Our children are watching. You want to be able to model for them how to worship the Lord in spirit and Truth, pray for their our enemies, love the Lord God with all of their heart, soul, and might, study the Word of God, and the list goes on. 🌿🌿🌿 You don't want to be like the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus said of them, "do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them" (Matthew 23:1-3 NASB). Everyday you should strive to confidently say, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB). What is one thing you have noticed your children doing that you know they picked up from watching you that makes you proud?

Photo Credit: Jonathan Borba