Follow My Example

Follow My Example

[Paul said,] “You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”

1 Corinthians 11:1

My three-year-old son adores his older sisters, and he loves to mimic everything they do—often to the chagrin of his father, who doesn’t enjoy seeing his only son rocking out to Hannah Montana or sporting watermelon lip gloss.

Sometimes the youngster’s antics are hilarious, and other times they get him in lots of trouble.

Take, for instance, the time our oldest daughter rolled her eyes in disgust at the dinner table. We strongly reprimanded her and informed her that eye rolling was unacceptable in our home.

I didn’t realize how closely our son had observed that interaction until the next day, when I gave him an afternoon snack. As I handed him one of his favorite treats—vanilla yogurt with M&M’S—he squealed in delight.

“Thank you, Mom!” he said gleefully, followed by a dramatic sigh and a big eye roll.

Trying to keep a straight face, I explained to him that, first of all, eye rolling is not permitted in our home—and second, if he was going to roll his eyes, at least he should learn when to do it.

At his young age, our son had no idea what eye rolling was all about. He just saw his sister do it, so he wanted to try it too.

Though his mistake gave me a hearty laugh, it was a good reminder of how closely our children are watching us and following our examples. As we go about our day-to-day lives, are we setting a Christlike example for our children, our families, and those around us?

—Jennifer Stair

Father, help me to remember that others are watching me and imitating what I do. Teach me to follow your example and reflect your love to everyone around me. Amen.