"They Are Watching"

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

 

Yesterday I received a call from a friend who had passed by the ministry thrift shop and she told me that someone had left bags of donations at the door.  It was 21 large black trash bags to be exact.  We have asked and asked and even have signs posted asking people not to leave anything when we are closed.  But they continually do it anyway.  I got to thinking about it and that is what has prompted me to write this particular devotion this morning.

 

The person/persons who left those bags I'm sure were adults.  I find it odd that adults are always complaining about the young generation-- how they are rebellious, inconsiderate, unruly and disrespectful.  While we are talking about the younger generation, maybe we should look in the mirror and get the log out of our own eye. 

 

I am sure you have heard many of these sayings-- "Monkey see, monkey do"; "like father, like son"; "little eyes are watching you"; etc.  When we, as adults, don't pay attention to the regulations and guidelines, what are we teaching our children?  When we bend the rules and break the law to suit us, what are we teaching them?  When we act like we are above the law, what are we teaching them?  When we disrespect authority, when we curse our leaders, when we openly mock Jesus and His followers, when we resist those who have the rule over us, when we complain about what we don't want to do, when we have a rebellious attitude concerning the things we don't like, what are we teaching the generation under us?  Is it any wonder they are exhibiting some of the attitudes they are?  They are watching us, listening to us, seeing what we do, and are only-- in most cases-- following suit by following our example.   

 

What kind of example do you want to be?  Do you want to be one that is negative, condemning of others, lawless or rebellious?  Or do you want to be the type of example that will steer those who are watching you in the right direction?  An attitude that points them in a direction that takes them closer to Christ, to being a good citizen, to being respectful of others, to be lawful, who consider others before themselves, who follow the Word of God?  Think about it.

 

Have a great day.  What is the way you conduct your life and your attitude teaching those who are watching you?