More Is Caught Than Taught

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

Hebrews 13:7

I cannot remember a time when I was not aware of God and His love for me through His only Son, Jesus Christ. My parents talked about Him and took us to church regularly. I remember saying the blessing, “Tank You,” before a meal as a child and heading off to Sunday school.

My parents didn’t have daily family devotions with us growing up, but they were leaders by example. Daddy read Luke 2 every Christmas, and Mama continued the tradition after Daddy died. Even though reading God’s Word aloud was not a daily habit in our home while I was growing up, the power of love and forgiveness were evident in everyday living. I don’t think I ever heard Daddy say the blessing without saying, “And Lord, thank You for forgiving us of our sins.”

My mom and dad were genuine honest-to-goodness sinners just like you and me, and when I was younger they never tried to hide that condition! Now I realize how precious their honest, open example was. They were the same authentic people covered in Christ even after we left church. As a child, I caught their lessons of genuine faith. I’m grateful to God that in His sweet grace and providence, their genuine faith has rubbed off on me.

I am convinced that more is caught than taught for all of us—children and adults—whether those lessons are positive or negative. I think it is pretty much a given that someone is always observing our actions, watching how we live life and act on the faith we profess. Are we living a life of faith we want our children, friends, and coworkers to imitate? How will we be remembered?

More is caught than taught, so let’s live like Jesus whether we think someone is watching or not. The one Someone who is always watching is God Himself. It is comforting that He sees all.