Teach Your Children by Example By Anne Graham Lotz

Teach Your Children by Example

By Anne Graham Lotz

This year, as I celebrate Mother’s Day, I can’t help but be reminded not only of the things my mother taught me, but things that my father taught me also. The lessons I learned in the home were not only spoken, but lived out by their examples. I wonder … when I’m gone, what will my children remember that I taught them—not only by my words, but by my example? This Mother’s Day, there are three things my parents taught me that I, in turn, want to make sure my children learn: don’t be afraid to live for Jesus, don’t be ashamed to live for Jesus, and don’t be apathetic about living for Jesus. Even if you don’t have biological children of your own, ask God who you can impart these challenges to. As far as we know, the Apostle Paul didn’t have children either, but he referred to Timothy as his son. And Paul taught Timothy the same three things my parents taught me … by example. What are you teaching your children by example? My mother once quipped, “You can’t teach your children to like spinach if every time they see you eating yours, you gag!” This Mother’s Day, give your children the example of a parent who isn’t afraid to live for Jesus, who isn’t ashamed of the Gospel, and who is not apathetic toward God’s work or God’s Word.