5/24/06
Encouragement for Today
(Principle #3)
“Do as I Do”
Kristy Tolley, Graduate of She Speaks Conference
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/ss_intro_2006.htm
Key Verse:
1 Chronicles 29: 9a, “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” (NKJ)
Devotion:
I’m somewhat of a “germ-o-phobe”. I rejoiced when the grocery store installed sanitizing wipes by the carts (so I didn’t have to use my own!). And if I can use a public facility without touching a single thing, I’m a happy camper.
One day, as Peyton, my five-year-old daughter, and I were leaving the Target restroom, she did something remarkable. Without a word, she reached for a paper towel, and proceeded to use it to open the door so she wouldn’t touch the handle. I was so proud. All of my “you never know how well other people wash their hands” speeches finally paid off.
I was reminded how kids really do emulate what they see – good or bad. Whether it’s obsessive compulsive behaviors or other things we do in our lives, we are teachers – plain and simple. Do our kids see us open our Bible very often? Do they hear us pray regularly? Do they see how we give our tithes and time back to God – through our church and to others in need?
King David is an excellent example for us to look at. In 1 Chronicles 29, we see that David gave his personal fortune to be used in the building of the temple – that was over and above everything he had already provided!
The leaders responded to their king’s actions (and to his challenge to them to do the same). “Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.” (verse 6)
As a result, the example set by King David and his leaders was very well received by the people. They witnessed firsthand abundant, sacrificial giving, and responded by outright praise and rejoicing. What a wonderful picture of how we should give, and how we should respond.
There have been plenty of times I’ve been a very poor example for my children. Through my impatience and critical nature, I give them many examples of how not to act. But I can rejoice in the knowledge that my children will also see when I get it right.
If we make a concerted effort to include our children in our spiritual growth, we can be assured that the Lord will bless those efforts. For example, in the last couple of years I’ve become an “out loud” pray-er and praiser. Sometimes it’s a quick prayer of healing or comfort for victims of a car accident we pass. Other times it can be a loud praise song in the middle of my kitchen.
Just when I least expected it, my daughter once again showed me she was watching. She was playing with her Barbie doll in the back seat of the car one day. “Hey look Mommy,” she called to me. I glanced back from the passenger’s side. She had her dolls arm up. “Oh, is Barbie waving to me?” I inquired. “No,” she replied, a little put out by my poor observation skills. “She’s praising.”
Thank You, Lord!
My Prayer for Today:
Lord, I pray that through my example, my children can learn the importance of giving ourselves wholeheartedly to You. Help me to always remember to follow Your lead. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Take a good look at your day-to-day activities and try to recognize ways you were a good example of Christ to your children.
Ask the Lord to open your eyes to areas you may need improvement. Thank Him for it.
Praise the Lord or pray to Him out loud today – especially if your kids are watching!
Who are some people in your life who have been wonderful examples for you to follow? Thank them for it.
Read your Bible and look closely at individuals who set examples for others.
Reflection Points:
What type of example to I set for my children?
How can I deliberately illustrate my faith in Jesus to my children?
Power Verses:
John 13:15, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (NKJ)
Philippians 3:17, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (NIV)
Ephesians 5:8-10, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Out of the Mouth of Babes, by Wendy Pope
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_mouthBabes.htm
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child, by Renee Swope
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_miningGoldChart.htm
Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_greatMom.htm