Titus 2:7
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
As a father of three young children it is vitally important for me to be a good example for them. Over the past ten years I have worked side by side with the youth at The Foothills church in Gilroy, California. One of the things I have found to be true is that every child and young person will be shaped into the person they will become.
In thinking about my own children and the young people I influence, I have found myself pondering this question, “Will it be me shaping them into the person they will become, or will it be a stranger?” A good leader must lead by example. As we walk the path God has placed before us with integrity, listening to His voice, and being obedient, God shines through us and we become the type of person others want to follow.
Being a parent or a leader is a huge privilege and responsibility that we must take seriously if we want to point others to God. When leaders say one thing but do another, they destroy trust, which is a critical element of being a good leader. I want those who I lead to know that they can trust where I lead them.
As a father, I have been entrusted by God to raise my children which is something I don’t take lightly. So, how do I know if I am doing a good job of leading them by example?
Proverbs 22:6
“Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it.”
Questions to ask yourself:
1. Are you teaching your children to honor the Lord?
2. Are you teaching your children to read God’s Word?
3. Are you teaching your children to put their trust in God?
One thing I know about myself is that, as much as I want to lead my children by example and will continue to do so, I’m not the example I really want my children to follow. I want them to seek and follow their Heavenly Father and become more like Him.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
As I follow the example Jesus has left for me and live my life for Him, then I will naturally be the example I want to lead my children by.
Written by, Pastor Kevin Ratliff