Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day at my baby sister’s house. We had six dads there.
The celebration was also a teaching experience as is most any given day when you are raising children.
Our first stop was at my parent’s house to watch church with them. Going to church while on vacation is a good example to teach our children! Taking a vacation from fellowship with like minded Christians and listening to the word of God can result in missing church after vacation is over.
Then we headed to my sisters.
Just as we got out of the car and headed to the house, we heard one of the children yell, “Leave me the %$#@ alone!”
I was caught off guard at the language and by the looks on Ethan’s face he was not surprised.
I said, “Son you know why (I said the child's name) talks like that?” Ethan shrugged his shoulders.
I smiled, “Because his dad talks like that.”
Ethan was a little surprised by my candor and I explained that all children repeat what they hear, especially things that their parents say.
Just a few days ago, at Indiana Beach, I watched a mother scold her young son with more expletives than anything else. I am sure the young child understood that he should have done what he was told but he is remember all those expletives too!
We as parents (moms and dads) should guard our mouths. Amen?
I am not just talking about expletives being used in conversation.
But I mean any type of harmful or demeaning talk. Amen?
Ephesians 4:29 NIV Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Who is listening to us more than anyone else? Our children!
They repeat what we say!
It is not just what we say that influences the young. They also repeat what we do.
So, our actions are more important than our words!
Have you ever heard the saying, “Talk is cheap.”
Usually what is being implied is that our actions is the real deal!
1 John 3:18 MSG My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love.
Our children imitate our actions.
Ask yourself this morning, “Am I the living example I should be?”
James 3:13 MSG Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.
I want close with a caveat.
Don’t’ think this only applies to us with small children.
No, this applies to everyone reading this.
Do you realize that not only our children, but many others are influenced by our words and actions?
We all have others that watch us and, in many cases, imitate our words and actions.
May God help us all be a better example for all that are listening and watching us.
May we contribute to a Godly legacy to help bring light into this dark and perverse world.’
Have a blessed day
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