YOUR LIFESTYLE

I am challenged how Paul tells the new believers to observe and follow him. He was God’s living example for them to emulate. 1 Corinthians 4:15, 16: “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” Because Paul brought them to birth, he was responsible to show them the way. Because we bring our children to birth, we also have the same responsibility to show them how to live.

1 Corinthians 11:1: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Philippians 3:17 (PHILLIPS): “Let my example be the standard by which you can tell who are the genuine Christians among those about you.” Do your children see that your walk with God is real? They see through hypocrisy easily. Your life should be such an example that it exposes the fake and sham in other lives. Your lifestyle shows them the true way.

Philippians 4:9: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God peace shall be with you.” Can we say to our children? “Children, watch me closely. God wants you to do what you see me do. God wants you to speak the kind of words you hear me speak!” Your children learn more from watching you and your husband than from all the curriculums you will ever purchase.

You teach them how to have a successful marriage (or an unhappy one) by the way you and your husband relate together and show love to each other. My parents gave me an amazing example of a godly marriage. This set my husband and me on the path of a wonderful marriage (54 years on Thursday). Although we give marriage counseling, Colin and I have never been to a marriage seminar. We learned it by example (and experience) which is the most powerful way. This is the best way for your children to learn too.

Have a wonderful day,

Nancy Campbell