Devotion for August 11, 2008

Are You a Leader?

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)

Many believers don’t think of themselves as leaders. However, every mother and father is a leader. Even if one ignores his responsibility to lead, he is still leading albeit the wrong way.

Children are very impressionable. They soak up everything they see and hear, and they listen most carefully to the ones they love—mom and dad. The question is what are they hearing?

The principle is what you put in you get out later in life. Therefore, “when he is old he will not depart from it; not easily, nor ordinarily; there are exceptions to this observation; but generally, where there is a good education, the impressions of it do not easily wear off, nor do men ordinarily forsake a good way they have been brought up in; and, however, when, being come to years of maturity and understanding, their hearts are seasoned with the grace of God, they are then enabled to put that in practice which before they had only in theory, and so continue in the paths of truth and holiness”–John Gill.

Therefore, one is compelled to ask, “Are you doing a good job of instilling truth and righteousness in your children?” Simply reading a brief devotion at the dinner table would do wonders to propel your family in the right direction.

It would keep the Word before everyone in the family; it would hold parents accountable to live out what has been read; and it would provide opportunity for children to ask questions. At the very least take this opportunity to train up your children. One could guess this activity alone would radically change a family. This might not happen immediately, but as time goes on a new solidarity will form and families will be reunited in love. Remember, you are the most influential leader in your child’s life.