Do as I say, not as I do.

We may not say that, but if there’s a disconnect between our words and our actions, which do you think will make a greater impression on our children?
The apostle Paul understood the importance of our actions. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, he encouraged his readers to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” It wasn’t enough for the early church to read his letters. Even 2,000 years ago, Paul knew actions speak louder than words.

You might remember the following classic poem that illustrates this principle… 

Children Learn What They Live
by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves
and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. 

Of course, contrary to what Dr. Nolte wrote, this world is not always a nice place in which to live. We live in a fallen world and we suffer the consequences of sin. But that doesn’t negate our responsibility to raise our children in a way that will make us proud for them to do as we say and as we do.