Influence by Example
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Please open your Bible and read
(Titus 2:1 – 8)
The fathers in the Old Testament serve as a warning to modern dads about the impact of a parent?s example. Many godly men were fatherhood failures, and their children paid a hefty price. Jacob?s sons mimicked his conniving and manipulative behavior. King David neglected discipline and, as a result, several of his sons were involved in despicable activities. His heir, Solomon, was an equally poor father, whose son joined a rebellion against the king.
In spite of their faith, Jacob, David, and Solomon provided a negative role model for their children. Unfortunately, biblical examples of poor fathers outnumber the good. But the gospels mention a man whose sons reflect well on their dad?s parenting skills. No specific details are given to describe how Zebedee brought up the disciples James and John, but he is significant because he did what many Christians try to do today: raise God – following children. Zebedee?s training prepared his sons for a life of intimate fellowship with the Messiah. It?s a reasonable assumption that he modeled discipline, respect for authority, and persistence, because his sons demonstrated those traits while following Jesus Christ.
Your children will reflect the traits they observe in you. Living in your presence every day, your kids see past any fa?ade that might fool the rest of the world. They monitor your attitude about vocational work and household chores. Little ears pick up on how you talk about others, and little eyes watch your response to difficult circumstances.
What kind of example do your children see?
About the Author
This devotional was written by Dr Charles Stanley. Read more about him here: http://www.talk.thelife.com/charles-stanley/
Related Reading
A letter to my dad on Father?s Day
http://www.retirementwithapurpose.com/growth/foflettertodad.html
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What I appreciate about this devotional is that Zebedee is being recognized for his leadership. Yet, here was a fisherman, who simply passed on his fishing skills to his sons. He is not known for his leadership in the world’s sense of leadership. Many might have a tendency to look down their nose at someone they thought of as merely a tradesman, unlikely to make an impact on the world. Yet here is a godly man who raised godly fishermen sons, with a desire simply to be faithful to God and to do what was right and obedient. Through his character, his faithfulness, and his leadership, this man impacted the world through his influence on his sons. I thank God for faithful and godly tradesmen.