I’m thankful for the home I grew up in as a child. I had the love and support of my Dad and Mom. The Lord used both to craft me into the man I am today. However, I realize that not everyone had such a childhood, and I regret this for them.
I came to Christ when I was five, and my parents received the Lord when I was fifteen. I self-describe myself as a churched kid of unchurched parents. One thing that never ceased to amaze me was how some of my church friends from “Christian” homes were raised in a far less loving and supportive situation than I was, even before my parents came to Christ. I put Christian in quotes not to question whether or not their parents were believers but to draw attention to the inconsistency of parents claiming to be followers of Christ but not imitating His love, especially to their own children. I understand that no one is perfect, but those in Christ ought to be in the process of being perfected. As I often say, I am not what I ought to be, but I thank God I am not what I used to be; I am a work in progress.
Even before my parents were believers, they were good role models in many ways. They became exceptional role models to their grandchildren as Mom and Dad grew in Christ. God’s Word mentions role modeling as a primary role of a parent. “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 1:8).
Our actions indeed speak louder than our words. This is never truer than in the home. Children learn values, morals, and priorities by observing how their parents act and react daily. For instance, if parents exhibit a deep reverence for and dependence on God, their children will most often catch these attitudes.
As I mentioned, I am a churched kid of unchurched parents, at least for the first 15 years of my life. However, the Lord brought people who served as spiritual parents into my path. I am so grateful for each of them. I can’t imagine not having them to help me develop as a follower of Christ. Of course, my biological parents were moral, and I learned much from them. But, having spiritual parents was crucial in my growth in Christ. For this reason, I believe every adult believer is responsible for being a role model of sorts for those around us, especially children.
When we do child dedication at Crosswinds, the parents commit to the Lord to be God-honoring role models for their children. But there is more. The church family also commits to being role models to this same child. We all want to be used by God to point others to Him. We want to be a help and never be a hindrance in seeing people come and grow in Christ.
I’m genuinely thankful for my Mom and Dad and each of my spiritual parents. The home and churches I grew up in were places where I saw good role models and was allowed the space and grace to grow. It encourages me to be the Dad, Granddad, and spiritual parent the Lord has empowered me to be for others. It is not always easy, but it’s worth it. I do not always feel like enough, but the Spirit of Christ always gives me what I need.
Nelson Mandela said, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It’s what difference we’ve made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” I can attest to the wonderful impact others have made in my life. They modeled for me what it means to walk rightly before God and others. They modeled the importance of living such a life of significance not just for self but for others and God’s glory. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!