Date: Sunday, 11th February, 2024
Text: John 13:13-15
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
The first role model a child has is his parent. One of the easiest ways to influence your children in a godly way is to lead by example. Even without you saying anything to your children, they will most likely copy your actions. Actions speak louder than words.
Your children are more likely to treat their future spouses with love and care, if they grow up observing you treat your spouse with affectionate love; the opposite is also true.
The word of God says, “Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. Take note that it said, “train” a child. To train means to teach a person or animal a particular skill or type of behaviour through practice and instruction over a period of time.
So training involves instruction and practice (demonstration). St. Luke wrote of how Jesus began both to do and teach (Acts 1:1). For effectiveness, the doing should precede the teaching.
In today’s text, Jesus said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:13-15
It was easy for the disciples to behave like Christ because the Lord was a doer instructor, someone who practiced what he preached.
Action Nugget: Be a godly role model to your children.