Friday January 22nd, 2021
Memorize: John 13:15 Coping Words (CP)
« I, Jesus, have given you an example to follow; you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. »
Read: John 13:12-15 Good News Translations (GNT)
12 After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table.
“Do you understand what I have just done to you?”
he asked.
13 “You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.
14 I, your Lord and Teacher, have just washed your feet.
You, then, should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have set an example for you, so that you will do just what I have done for you.
Message:
Many parents complain that their children do not obey them.
Most times however, the parents are to blame.
Children can see and hear more than we know; they absorb all information from their homes both consciously and subconsciously.
When there is a difference between the words and actions of a parent, the children become confused and will most likely follow the actions of their parents since ‘Actions speak louder than words’.
The best way to teach children is by example.
Lead the way and they will follow.
I recall an instance when my children were small. We had a visitor who came with his child. One of my sons went into my room, wore my tie and came out to meet the little boy. He laid his hand on the boys head and said ‘Fall down’. We all laughed, but I never forgot the lesson. The boy had observed that whenever I laid my hands on people they would fall, but even beyond that, he noted that I always had my tie on when doing so.
What attention to detail! That is how detailed children are in their observations. Hence, you must deliberately set the right examples.
Paul, in Philippians 4:9 CEV said:
« “You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.” »
– A father who cannot get his eyes off ladies will raise a promiscuous boy.
– A mother who constantly gossips will raise a gossiper.
Start being the right examples to your children from now.
You want them to read their Bibles and pray daily?
Do the same.
If you want your child to be kind to others, be kind too.
When little children always see their parents punching away at their phones and hardly ever see them with books, it will take Gods grace for the children to enjoy reading.
Be deliberate about your actions, bearing in mind that your children can see everything you are doing, and they will also follow the same path.
Set a worthy example; do the right things always.
Key point: Showing an example is a thousand times more effective than verbal teaching
Author: Pst E. A. Adeboye.
Text edited by Naomie
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