Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors Godā¦Ā (Titus 2:3, NLT)
Who are your role models? The term role model generally means any “person who serves as an example, whose behavior is emulated by others.” As I was growing up, some of mine were Gwendolyn Brooks, Octavia Butler, Anne Rice, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Stevie Nicks, Mary J. Blige, King Arthur (yes, of the Round Table!), my mother, and my older sister. Today, the list is considerably longer; though very few of the names listed above are still on it. The people whose behaviors I want to emulate have changed over the years.
One definition of āmodelā is a pattern or mode of structure or formation. Models have a purpose. They are designed to serve as the basis for how future structures should be built. However, if the model isnāt consistent, then itās impossible to expect future buildings to be uniform.
Many times we have expectations that are impossible for our children to achieve, not because of their unwillingness or inability, but because of our own inconsistency. If what you desire to build is a strong, secure, attractive, and enduring structure, your model should have a solid foundation and a sound design.
The behaviors we demonstrate for our children serve as the basis for how they will think, learn, communicate, and mature. Inconsistently demonstrated behaviors are confusing. If we live one way of life but teach another, then we model hypocrisy. And hypocrisy lends itself to shallow foundations and flawed designs.
Copyright Ā© 2010 by Malaika Geuka Wells
Takeaways:
Application: How do your children behave when youāre not around? How do they communicate and interact with their peers? With other adults? This month examine your childās good and not-so-good behaviors, and then examine and compare them to your own. Then read Ephesians Chapters 4 and 5 with your children. God shares some wonderful wisdom on what behaviors we should model in those chapters.
Affirmation: Lord, help me to live in a way that honors you so that I might be a good role model for my children.
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