Sermonette: Always teaching, always learning

At a recent gathering of Christian parents, we were discussing how hard it is to be a parent these days. It seems we are busier than ever, and rarely have time to stop and reflect on this most important job called parenting. We were discussing how it is they learn and become. One dad remarked, “As my boys grow, I am realizing that whether or not I acknowledge it, I am teaching them all the time. Some of it is good, and some not so good!”

Every parent in the room nodded their head in agreement.

His point was a really good one, a cautionary and visionary statement for all parents: our kids are like sponges, watching us all the time, learning from everything we say and do, and perhaps as importantly, from what we don’t say or don’t do.

We think of toddlers repeating our not so good choice of words, or children learning a strong work ethic from hard-working parents. I am convinced that this dad’s poignant statement is especially true in faith.

Do we talk the Christian talk? Do we walk the Christian walk? Do we love and accept and serve and forgive like Jesus? What are our kids seeing, and does what we say match up with what we do? Do our actions sometimes erase all the words we’ve just spoken?

In other words, if we teach our children about the virtue of patience, yet they sit in the backseat of the family car and hear us scream and yell at other drivers, what are we really teaching? In the same way, if we teach that God loves all people, then make a racial slur or joke, which means more- our actions or words?

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.”

This is God’s desire for us as parents, and this is the desire of every good Christian parent. The caution from the dad quoted above is for us to be more conscious of exactly what we are teaching, so that we can discern what the right way is.

Are we going to always get it right? Not a chance.

Is there grace for when we fail? John’s Gospel assures us, “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

So...what’s a parent to do?

Consider heeding this dad’s caution and committing to be more conscious of your own actions and inactions. Make it your goal to live out your own Christian faith in what you say and do, how you love, and your commitment to your Christian community. Your example of loving God with all your whole heart, soul, and spirit is indeed the “right way” spoken of in Proverbs. Live in love and your kids will grow to do the same, becoming conscious, caring, faithful adults who love and serve Jesus.