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A Great Imitation
1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 'You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master.' (The Message)
 It's been said that our children probably learn more by watching us than they do by listening to us. For example, the way we treat our spouse teaches them a lot about how they should approach the opposite sex. 'The most important thing a father can do for his children,' said one writer, 'is to love his wife.' Children need to see fathers who can be strong yet vulnerable and mothers who can be assertive yet loyal. Kids also learn from our approach to material things. They need good examples of how to treat money. We can set a powerful example by avoiding impulse buying or over reliance on credit cards. Budgeting, giving to ministries or charities and tithing to the local church also set a good tone. We also provide an example in how we deal with conflict. Our children are growing up in an age where violence is trivialized in the media. They need positive role models who will show them how to resolve conflict situations without resorting to physical or verbal abuse. Raising our children in these difficult times isn't easy, but with a little help from our Father above, and a commitment to disciplining our own lives, we can give them a great head start.
Prayer: 'Jesus, help need to imitate you so that my friendships and family relationships reflect a godly attitude. I want to be a great role model for others, and especially for the next generation.'
© 2003-2004 Mal Fletcher
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As a Care Home Manager for older people...[I see that] the culture of the family unit has changed, but I'm heartened by those that come to work as carers & give quality care & love to the residents.
Jude Goode, United Kingdom
Mal you are a dear friend to the church in Australia. So blessed by your compassionate voice.
Jamie, Australia
Thanks Mal for helping us see the US gun laws issue from an ethical perspective. Our right to possess guns (or any other right, for that matter) is surely insignificant when compared to our responsibility to preserve life.
Ann, Australia
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