OPEN HEAVENS THURSDAY, JUNE 9TH 2022 THEME TEACH BY EXAMPLE*
MEMORISE:
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:7
READ: Titus 2:6-8
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
MESSAGE
The best way to teach your children is by example, not just with word. Ezekiel 16:44 says:
Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother; so is her daughter.
It is what you do that your children will copy. It is how they see you talk that they will talk too. Oh yes, you teach them, but your actions teach them far more than your words do.
The reason some Pastors’ children are not born again is that what their parent say and do in Church is different from what they say and do at home.
You cannot hide anything from your children; they know the real you. You may not know it, but when a fast is declared in Church and you are eating, your children notice.
That singular act has taught them something that is different from what you have been saying with your words. They are watching you; it is not what you say that is most important, it is what you do.
When I was in Ilorin, people who were sick and needed healing used to come to the house for prayers. I would close my eyes, lay hands on them and pray. The anointing would make some of them fall. One of my sons was about 2-3 years old then.
One day, someone came to visit us with his child. My son went to my room, took my tie, wore it, went to the visitor’s child, closed his eyes and laid his hands on him.
After a while, when he opened his eyes and saw that the boy was still standing, he said, “Fall now”. He thought it was the wearing of the tie that made people I prayed for fall.
Today, my children are pastors in the The Redeemed Christian Church of God.
If the parents are not following God, what example will the children follow? If your son still sees you chasing after women, how will you expect him to stay away from fornication? If your daughter sees you bribing a teacher for her to pass an exam, how will you teach her about integrity and honesty? Like father like son, like mother like daughter.
If you are not yet born again and living holy, it is your example that your children will follow. Show them the way to the Light so that they don’t end up in darkness.
ACTION POINT
God can boldly ask your children to copy everything you do, even in secret.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 23-25
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 14: NEARER MY GOD TO THEE
1. Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee! E’en though it be a cross That raiseth me. Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee!
2. Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down, Darkness be over me, My rest a stone, Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee!
3. There let the way appear, Steps unto heav’n; All that thou sendest me, In mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee!
4. Then with my waking thoughts Bright with thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee!
5. Or if, on joyful wing Cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upward I fly, Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee
Leave a Comment