Have you noticed how little children mimic their parents? If you have toddlers or preschoolers of your own, you’ve probably seen it many times. It really makes you think when your child copies what you say and do. You’ll hear a word come from her mouth (good or bad) and realize that you say it without even thinking. You’ll even notice that he starts to put on his jacket or comb his hair just like you.
What other things are your kids learning from you? Have you thought about that lately? When we think about being accountable, we often believe that means with other adults in our lives. Accountable to husbands, friends, church members, and co-workers. But what about our kids?
Constant Training
“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That’s found in Proverbs 22:6. Many parents look at that verse and think about what they are teaching a child through discipline and verbal instruction. They may believe that means setting rules in place, taking them to church and other methods of teaching.
While those are all important, the greatest way of teaching your child is through example. What example are you setting? Yes, you’re a moral, upright person that goes to church, takes care of your family, and does other good things. But what about how you respond to the people that are different from you? Are you willing to overlook a surly attitude because someone’s had a bad day? Do you smile even when the other person is wearing a frown?
How about in your service to other people? If we want to raise the next generation to care about others instead of being focused on self, shouldn’t we set the example? Do you get involved with community or church activities that involve the less fortunate or less desirable? Do you get your kids involved? Or do you avoid contact with those that make you feel uncomfortable and shelter your children by doing the same with them?
Be Like Jesus
If we want our kids to see Jesus in us, we have to do what He did. We have to go out among “them” and look at them as one of “us.” Only when we cross barriers and tear down labels will we truly show our children who Jesus is. When we see the hungry, desperate, sinful people as individuals the same as we are, then we are teaching them how to be like Jesus. And isn’t showing the way to Jesus what we should be most accountable for?
