Message Minute (The Importance of Modeling)

As children move through the teenage years toward adulthood, modeling becomes one of our highest forms of influence. Truth is more permanently transferred from our lives than our lips. As Paul understood, we can teach our children what we know, but we will only reproduce what we are. When we say, "I don't want to force my kids to go to church, I'll let them decide for themselves," we're still teaching them something. Everything that happens (or doesn't happen) teaches. If our children see us not prioritizing the things of God, we're teaching them that the things of God don't really matter. Take a moment today to consider: What are you unintentionally teaching your children through your example about career, marriage, family, money, sexuality, and their own self-worth? Is that really what you want to teach them? More things in life are caught than taught. Healthy families model the values they teach.

Verse: "Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:9

Reflection Question: In what area of your life do you most need to align your actions with the values you want your children to adopt?

Prayer: Lord, make me aware of the example I'm setting for my children. Help me to live authentically the values I want them to embrace. Where there's inconsistency in my life, give me courage to change. Let my life speak louder than my words about what matters most. In Your holy name, Amen.