We’ve probably all heard the story of the man who drank socially but “was able to control it well.” It seems his teenage child was killed in a car accident and when it was found that they had been drinking, the Dad vowed to kill whoever had given them the alcohol. Upon arriving at home he went to the cupboard for a drink. When he opened the cupboard door he found a note like, “Dad, I borrowed a little to have some fun with my friends. I didn’t think you’d mind. Love, ——-”
And what about speeding? We teach our children several things here. First of all, suppose you are a “good driver” and can “keep it under control.” How will you feel if one day your child is killed in an accident by doing what you do so well. Would you say, “He better not be speeding!” I’m sure you know parents who smoke but tell their children not to—and we all laugh.
When we speed we teach our children that rules are made to be broken. When we slow down when we see a policeman we teach them to do things behind our back. The principle applied here is obedience to authority. We have heard it said by them of old time, “what we allow in moderation our children will practice.” How will this blossom in our grandchildren?
This is not just about speeding. What about little outbursts of anger—-or fill in your pet sin. We do reap what we sow in a later season and we reap much more than we planted. One kernel of corn becomes a hundred or more. How is your influence?
2 Responses
This is supreme excellence.
Great truth!! We overlook our own inconsistencies so often, especially when they seem common or insignificant.
I am so glad to see this. I really needed it right now.
Hello, this is so true. I responded to this and must have not submitted it…because when I click on it the reply button pops up without me signing in…..LOL.
This is so true. My daughter is my shadow. She wants to do everything, good or bad that mommy does. I am aware of this and I try so hard to be a postive influence because I know that she watches and does everything that I do…but there are many times that I fail…and I need to do so much better. A cute example of my influence on Bekah… was the other day. I had a blue shirt on and so did Bekah. Well I had a white T-shirt on as well and Bekah came to me trying to put a white undershirt under hers. I know that I want Bekah to grow up to be the Godly women that God wants her to be….and I think about how I am training her on a daily basis……am I helping her to become that….or am I teaching her things that will hinder her. Thanks Mrs. Corbett….