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Being an Example
By Linda Ranson Jacobs
“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in
the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your
purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12b (New Living Translation)
Example is one of the most powerful messages you have.
In this scripture we are told to be an example in love,
faith, and purity. It would be good for all single parents
to grab hold of this scripture. Take some time to think
about it and incorporate it into your parenting skills.
Living by example will send a much more powerful message
to your kids than anything you can say.
When I first became a single parent I have to admit,
I didn’t set a very good example for my kids. But thankfully
the Lord brought me around and when I went to His Word,
I found example after example of how I could parent my
children by myself. Isn’t that ironic that we are told
to be an example and when you go to His Word, God teaches
us by example. Jesus taught by example by modeling how
he wanted his disciples to act.
Saying one thing to your children but doing something
different yourself only serves to confuse your children.
Our actions and words have to match each other if we
are to make sense to our children. Why not take the confusion
out of their lives by living what you want from them?
Let’s say you’re on the phone and your child just has
to tell you something. You tell your child not to interrupt
you when you’re on the phone. The next day your child
gets a phone call and you interrupt by asking, “Did you
do your homework yet?” What did you just do? What did
you just model?
Another way of thinking about this is to think about
honoring your children. We all want our children to honor
and love us as their parent. But do you model honor to
them? Ephesians 6:1 (NLT) “Children, obey your parents
because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right
thing to do.” You can honor your children by setting
the example for them. Honor God first and do this in
front of your children in word, in deed, and in the way
you live your life.
Make the words “in your love, your faith, and your purity”
your motto this month.
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