Do As I Say, Not As I Do

1 Timothy 4:16 “Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.”

Save them from what? This greek word is used in the NT 106 times in 99 verses and simply means to rescue someone from danger. There is danger from evil paths and people, danger from any physical harm or disease and danger from hurting their spiritual relationship with God. You help rescue others, including your children. There are consequences to our thoughts and actions. Galatians 6:10 “Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,”

Timothy was a young man and became the pastor of a predominate church in which Paul started. He had been mentored by Paul and Paul writes to Timothy a “blog” letter in how to be successful in this ministry role. Not only does these passages help make great leaders in the church, but they are great commands to follow as leaders in our home.

Paul told Timothy that it did not matter his age and it couldn’t depend on his position. He was only going to be able to lead people into the transforming power of God by intentionally talking about it and intentionally living it out in his own life.

George Barna in his book, “Revolutionary Parenting,” notes a few key principles when it comes to raising spiritual champions for Christ. He said that children “must see you investing in your own spiritual growth before they will accept the importance of their personal commitment to becoming a genuine disciple of Jesus Christ” (18). Although there are exceptions, the overwhelming evidence supports this notion. Think of the population who dislike Christ because there are so many hyprocrites.

Parenting and Pastoring thoughts of “Just do what I say” or “Because I said so” just doesn’t work. “Expecting them to do what you say simply because you are their parents doesn’t work for long” (19). Children are smart. They notice when we’re not consistent, when we mess up, when we respond out of selfishness, anger, out-of-control, unrepentence and just plain stupidity. Isn’t it hard to listen to someone about marriage when they’ve been divorced three times and their children disrespect them?

Paul also let Timothy in on a little secret. It was going to be hard work! “Great parents recognize that from the moment a child leaves a womb until the time he or she leaves the home, they must tirelessly guard and shape the mind, heart, and soul of their child” (39). We must persevere, be strong in those tough times, don’t give up, don’t question whether it’s the best thing to fight for, persevere in our walk with God with all of our heart, mind, and strength. Work hard at your own spiritual life and attitude and actions towards God and others around you. It’s worth it, for your sake and those around you.