“Copycats”
A copycat is one that has learned the language or behavior of another and re-enacts it. Years ago, there was an anti-smoking commercial on TV that showed a little boy doing everything just like his dad. It was cute watching the little boy copy everything his dad did … that is, until the dad sat down under a tree to smoke a cigarette.
The commercial ends with the little boy picking up his dad’s pack of cigarettes and a voice saying, “Like father, like son.” That commercial served as a reminder of an important fact: our children will do as we say for a while, but eventually most will do as we do. That’s why it’s so important that we model genuine Christianity for our children. Genuine Christianity is when our walk matches our talk.
I can think of no stronger advice on being a living, teaching example to our children than the words found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7; “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons (and daughters) and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.”
It isn’t easy to be a parent these days. Kids not only are influenced by their friends at school, but with social media and so many other sources. The Bible says children are a gift and blessing from God (Psalm 127:3 – 128:3). With this incredible gift comes responsibility to love, nurture, and teach. Your children are watching and listening. Without even trying, they are a “little you,” that one day will make choices as they learned from you.
The question is, what are you teaching them? Our kids are looking for a solid role-model. May God help us as parents to fill that need by doing our best to live a life pleasing in His sight. Do your kids hear you pray (and specifically for them)? Is the Bible read in your home and spiritual things discussed on a regular basis? Do you attend church faithfully as a family? When answers to prayer come, are they shared with your children? What are you doing, that if your child walked in your footsteps would lead them to Jesus?
Pastor Carnes
