PASSING ON THE BATON, NO. 3 - BE A STRONG EXAMPLE

Paul said of Timothy, "But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel" (Philippians 2:22).

Men, the Christian youth of today need above all things exemplary fathers and mothers who seek with all their hearts to demonstrate and role model wholesome godly values. The best form of teaching is by example. It should not be only "Do as I say," but rather "Do as I do."

Fathers, we must be strong examples of love towards our wives and our children. Outbursts of anger and impatience destroy godly values and virtues in both the parent as well as the child. Disobedience and defiance must be overcome with godly discipline and godly rebuke. A parent should first of all pray for wisdom as to how to bring forth appropriate discipline. Shouting, yelling, and verbal abuse, as well as out of control physical attacks will do more harm than good, although the Scriptures definitely support appropriate spankings and should not be withheld when needed.

Condemning, critical and bad language must never ever come from our mouths. Rather, exhortations on encouraging the child to do better. As parents, we owe it to our children to be able to live in an atmosphere of love and peace. They should never have to live in a home of tension where they feel they may have to walk on egg shells around us.

Home Sweet Home should always be our highest priority. We parents must exude love so that our family and others will feel it. We must exude peace so that our family will experience it. We must exude humility, honor, purity, comfort, generosity, and all godly values so that all around us will be taught through our exemplary lives.

Be encouraged

Colin Campbell