Leading by Example

It seems every time I turn on the TV, computer, iPad, radio, read the paper, etc., there is always bad news. Some horrible atrocity, victims of all ages, shapes and cultures, and brokenness all around.  It’s enough to make us anxious, depressed, stressed out, and sometimes not want to set foot outside the comfort of our homes. As a parent of a sweet little teenage toddler, I can’t help but think what awaits her as she grows up.

The fact of the matter is that we live in a fallen world, and sin runs rampant. The only cure for it is the precious blood of Christ!

I also believe that we have a duty, an obligation, first to the Lord. (No, I am not talking about the affect of grace or hinting that we in someway contribute to our salvation. That is of Christ alone and His propitiation for us, but I believe we need to be obedient to the God and Savior we profess.) We have a second obligation to our families, and a third to other people.

I think that obligation starts at home.  I get it, not all of us have had a great home life (mine personally was pretty jacked up!), but just because we didn’t start well, doesn’t mean we can’t finish well.  

Today in my morning time with the Father, as I read His Word, it spoke to my heart. What we model and lay out for our children directly affects them and others around them.  

King David did a lot of things wrong, he killed, disobeyed God, was an adulterer, yet we remember him as a man after God’s own heart.  His sin caused a lot of problems for him, his family, and his nation. But at the end of his life he speaks to his son Solomon...

1 Kings 2:1-3
"When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn."

Did you catch that? Some of David’s last words to his son, the king, be strong, be a man, do what the Lord tells you, walk in His ways (not your own), and basically God will work through you For His glory.  David goes on to tell Solomon basically that God is faithful and keeps His promises.  

My point is this this, if we start to lead and model to our children what God says to do, and how to do it, seeking His face, our lives will benefit, our children will benefit and ultimately others will benefit!

Leadership starts at home, have a greater influence on your children than the world! Let them see you model Christ, seek the Father, and live out your faith! Lead well!

Grace and Peace,
Pastor J

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