Parents: Our First Witnesses
Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)
As a child, I took money home which a student from my class had given to me. My mother, after inquiring where I had gotten it from, gave me quite a scolding and told me never to take money from strangers. She seized the opportunity at that moment to discipline me at an early age and to instill certain values which helped to mold my character. She was experienced and understood the consequences of certain actions and was determined to set me on the right pathway of life.
As I reflect on this life-changing experience from my childhood days, I realised that my mother was the first person who witnessed to me by explaining and demonstrating many truths about life, thus helping me to become the person I am today. The lessons she taught me so many years ago are still applicable today as I interface with various situations. Therefore, it is important for parents and guardians to influence their children in the home so that when they go into the world, they would be good witnesses and positive influences rather than being subject to the negative influences in the world.
As adults, our lives are open books that are being read by our own children and others daily. Thus, it is our duty to live and speak the truth before their eyes. As human beings, we cannot do this in our own strength. However, when we surrender our lives to Jesus, He will empower us to live exemplary lives – lives worthy of being emulated. Seize the opportunity today and invite Jesus Christ into your life if you have not done so as yet.
And parents, I beseech you today to be good witnesses to your children and those in your sphere of influence.
Read: Psalm 127:3-5; Ephesians 6:4
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 4:16-25; Romans 5:1-11; Amos 6
