Often there is an emphasis in parenting content on teaching and discipline, but less of example. 

Have you ever noticed how our children copy everything we do—even the things we might wish they didn’t notice? They play games like “house” and “following the leader” because by nature they mimic what they see. 

In all reality, this is arguably an intrinsically human trait—one that we may not grow out of. Many leadership or personal growth books written for adults emphasize the principle that we become who we are around. This can also be said of our children. 

Most children are around their parents more than any other human during the early formative years of their lives. Our example sets a foundation for our children’s world view. 

I know in my own life, the lessons I hold to the most are the ones that I learned through either experiencing it myself or watching someone else experience it. The secondary lessons would be the ones I was simply taught about. Some would say, “it’s better caught than taught”. 

Children do as we do. Our example is so much more powerful than our words. Our children need to see our example in how we love God, how we treat others, how we rely on Him in our weakness, how we reconcile with others when we do wrong, how we make friends, etc. 

Many parents have such beautiful goals and desires for their children. 

Many parents would hope their children have rich friendships, yet they don’t host, fellowship at church, or do life with close friends. 

Many parents teach their children to apologize when they wrong others, yet they fail to apologize to their children when they wrong them. 

Many parents would pray that their children will love and serve God faithfully, yet their relationship with God stays in the church building and does not love the neighbor at the gas station or the neighbor that holds different political beliefs. They want their children to love others, yet they don’t meet the needs of those in their community that are hurting or lacking. 

I pray earnestly that my children see my “religion” as one that permeates every corner of my life. That the verses they read would be illustrated by my life. I pray I display ‘pure religion’ as James chapter one dictates. That I would be caring for the poor, loving my muslim neighbor, praying for strangers in the grocery store, giving generously to further the church ministries, and opening my home to the needy.

My aim is that my children would be able to one day say that they want to know my Jesus because they saw what He did with a sinner like me—follow me, as I follow Christ.