Like it or not our children imitate what they see us do. And parents are not perfect! I frequently look back at things I have said or done with my children that I wish I could change! If you are a parent you have some regrets too.

But you also have joys. Especially when your children follow Jesus! Our love for Jesus is more instilled than forced upon our kids. If you really love Jesus it will show in how you behave. Your children will see you read the Scriptures and share your faith with others. They will hear you pray. If you don’t practice your faith from your heart it is unlikely that they will. If you don’t attend worship regularly and give cheerfully they probably won’t either.

This message on Father’s Day 2018 is for Moms too. Moms are powerful examples to their children. If you are a single parent we recognize the difficult job you have. Whatever your situation, God will help you be the best parent you can be to your kids. But remember they will follow Jesus, like you follow Jesus.

The thought for this message comes from a Scripture that came to my mind as I was thinking about my children and Father’s Day.

The word imitate in this verse can be translated follow too. The underlying word is a word from which we get the English word mimic. When I was younger we used to use the expression “Monkey See, Monkey Do.” The expression actually started in the 1920’s. It’s a learning process; an expression describing someone who imitates another person's actions, good or bad, by watching what they do. We’ve seen it with monkeys at the zoo. We make faces, use gestures and the monkeys try to imitate it. But when it comes to our Christian walk, it is no laughing matter! What we do and say drastically affects our family and others.

When I had small children they always seemed to find my shoes and they would put their little feet in them and try to walk. It was hilarious to watch. I didn’t really get the significance of that until much later. They wanted to be like me. They wanted to follow me. Be like dad; be like mom.

Your little shadow wants to be like you too. Sweeping the floor with a tiny broom. Mowing the lawn with a plastic lawn mower. The toy telephone. Shaving with a razor. Cutting their hair. Putting on lipstick...the list goes on and on. When you affirm their behavior they really learn it and it becomes ingrained.

The Bible tells us to imitate God like a child would his father. Love is the quality most needed in all of our relationships, especially with our children.

The Bible also says that we WILL follow someone. We will imitate others. Make sure you mimic the right one!

"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." 3 John 11 (NKJV)

"The world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians." Charles Spurgeon

So what should you do? The following is a start. The Holy Spirit will guide you a give you grace to be the example to your kids and others that you should be!

The following four words form the acrostic WHAT. This will help you remember the main points...

Words
+Speak the Scriptures often
+Don’t kill your kids dreams, fuel them!
+Use encouraging words

Habits
+Make worship and Bible study a priority
+Be honest in your dealings with others
+Be generous with your resources

Attitudes
+Be positive more than negative
+Refrain from complaining and foster gratitude

The Way you treat others
+Model forgiveness
+Let them see you share your faith with others

Remember: What you do will be reproduced in your children

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