THE GREATEST EXAMPLE EVER DISPLAYED

THE GREATEST EXAMPLE EVER DISPLAYED

I can remember growing up, and my mom would always tell me, "Don't do as I do, do as I say do." I'm pretty sure many remember that slogan, as well. What were they really saying to us? Some may say they were saying, it's okay for me to live in this misbehaving manner, but not you. Others may say they meant, we (children) can't do those thing until we become  

adults like them.Well that slogan may have somewhat worked in the generation of the mid-sixties and before, but not today and perhaps not much even then. The difference then and now is the level of respect we carry for authority figures. Though we may have known that the slogan wasn't a good one, we never questioned or debated it, we just respected it because it came from an authoritative figure.

Today, we have a total different generation and perspective. We have children that talk back, ask questions, in a respectful and non-respectful manner. There are children who set the rules for the parents to follow, they've place a twist on the age old slogan saying, "You (mom and dad) do as I say do!" 

Sadly, parents are weaker, they have bent and some are broken. Why, and how has this happen? Simple, Man hadn't figured out that the greatest example is one that is displayed. Yes, those kids above may have not done what they were told not to do, but they watched and vowed to do those things as adults to the tenth power. The workaholic parents, alcoholic/smoking parents, abusive parents and the "perfect over achieving" parents are all reflected in our new generation.

Yes, there are cycles, positive and negative and most times we live what we learn. That's why it is imperatively important that we are aware of the greatest example ever displayed. God created us for his own pleasure. He gave us one purpose which is to fear (respect) Him and keep his commandments.   (Ecclesiastes 12:13) When He saw that it seemed that man was having the most difficult time with His commandants, He loved us so, that He sent us His son, Christ Jesus to display the GREATEST EXAMPLE EVER, of how we should live. He did it in the flesh with all the temptations we face and did not sin.

Take some time and read the book of Matthew, get to know this Jesus, who came in the flesh, giving us a new slogan to tell our children and they can tell their children, "Follow me as I follow Christ, and you CAN do as I do and as I say do."

Nobody asked me, but  it's not a perfect walk following the great example. Nonetheless, as you strive for perfection and your children are watching, there will be times when you fall, but you can ask for forgiveness, as you teach them God's examples are the best examples.