My Mother's Example
by Fred Alberti, Salem Web Network Director of Social Media
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Proverbs 1:8
I'll never forget waking in the morning to get ready for school and finding my mother outside on the deck reading her Bible and praying. That scene has been burned into my mind so strongly that I now find myself also abiding with the Lord surrounded by His creation in the great outdoors.
Did my mother tell me that I must do this? No. Rather, she taught me this through example.
One thing I have learned through my career is that an online community tends to be the reflection of those who lead it. I think the same can be true for parenting. Our children are a reflection of us.
Do we habitually break the law by speeding? We can expect to see our children show the same respect to the law.
Do we habitually overeat? (By the way, this is called gluttony and is a sin). If so, we can expect to see our children also become plump when they adopt our own lifestyle.
Do we reject the notion of loving others? Yes, here too, our children will exhibit that same lack of compassion.
Do we contribute to the disintegration of the family by breaking our marriage vows? Yes, if we do not take seriously, "until death do us part" then we can expect our children to likewise adopt the false teaching that marriage vows are expendable and only good for as long as we are pleased with the relationship.
While children are charged with not forsaking their parents' teachings we have the higher responsibility. We are to train and raise a generation of people who are being ingrained with the concept that loving the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, body, and soul is of utmost importance.
How are we doing that today?
What teaching and instruction are our children learning through observing our Christian walk?
Intersecting Faith & Life: Work on consistently setting time aside to be with the Lord in a quiet setting. This can be outside under a tree or even a place in the house with a door that can lock (I've known many a mom that is forced to use the bathroom for such an endeavor). The important thing is that you make it a priority to be with the Lord and seek His guidance in your life.
Further Reading
My Mother Taught Me...
There's More to Mother's Day Than Flowers
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
