THEY FOLLOW
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.” Proverbs 20:7, NLT
Theme: Children follow their parents; be a good example.
EVERYONE HAS “CHILDREN”
Even if you don’t have biological children, you influence others. This lesson is for you. Someone is following you – a friend, sibling, cousin, niece, nephew, student, employee, or coworker. Parents are profound influencers on their children; however, they aren’t the only ones. It is hard to overcome poor behavior by parents, yet it is possible, especially if children can find someone ahead of them to follow. If you volunteer at Cove Students or Cove Kids, you are one of the people kids follow. Thank you, and this is for you.
JULIAN’S PARENTS
The minor character in “Wonder,” Julian, is a kid who acts appropriately in front of adults but not around his peers. The school principal discovers Julian has been bullying Augie. When Julian’s parents, the principal, and Julian meet to discuss the problem, Julian’s mom makes excuses, denies the problem, and threatens to pull resources and support from the school. When our children, or those we support and love, are accused of wrong behavior, it’s normal to feel defensive.
MAMA BEAR
Defending our kids can even be celebrated. I have a pink hat that says, “Mama Bear.” The rage of mother bears – involuntary and instinctual – is a popular excuse for losing it. It is scary, yet it is socially acceptable. Raging like a mama bear guarding her threatened cubs, when you are actually a human, isn’t often necessary or wise. Protecting baby bears from predators requires some strength and ferocity. If you find your child threatened by a mountain lion, by all means, use your ferocious instincts! But protecting children from facing natural consequences of their actions hampers their ability to grow and mature. Entitled, angry parents will raise children with the same traits. Humble, kind, and generous parents tend to raise children with those same traits. All children have some combination of both holy and sinful behavior.
LEAD WITH YOUR ACTIONS
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works” (Titus 2:7a, ESV). Being a model is a fail-safe way to influence your children, whether biological, adopted, or spiritual. The instruction to “walk with integrity” blesses our children. Our “children” are the people who are already following us. You don’t have to convince children to act like their parents; they can’t help but do that! You don’t have to talk much to instruct children on your habits, priorities, and pet peeves. Children see and emulate them. We all have been entrusted with spiritual children. If you are a Life Group leader, think of the people you lead each week. Pastors are entrusted with the leadership of many spiritual children. At your workplace, dorm room, or church, the people behind you are a compelling reason to live a life of integrity. Your good example blesses those following you.
Make It Personal: Make a mental (or written) list of the people who follow you: children, Life Group members, a niece, a student, coworker, someone you mentor, etc. Remember the game, “Follow the Leader”? Imagine you are the leader and every decision and action you take today is either a blessing or a curse to the people who follow you. What opportunities do you have to influence others with your good work?
Pray: Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus who walked with integrity. I am so grateful that when I follow Him like a child, others will be blessed. I don’t always get it right. I want to improve and become more like Jesus. Help me to follow You so that when others follow me – my children, my Life Group, some friends, nieces, my Cove Kids class – they are blessed, and they really follow You. Amen.
Read: Titus 2:7-8; 1 Kings 9:4-5
Weekly Memory Verse: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV