Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:1-6
Parents dedicate years of their lives training their children in the way they should act, talk, think, believe and treat others. Parents try to be good role models as they hold onto the truth of today’s verse: the seeds sown into children impact their living. Even if a child strays, their upbringing will bring them back to the light. The other side of this proverb is parents are not the only people of influence to their children. A world of role models appear before children every day.
That is a frightening truth as we look at the national discourse on display.
Across the political spectrum and from both sides, we see and hear incivility and nastiness. National leaders offer abusive and disrespectful comments about women, stereotypical characterizations of ethnic groups, disparaging references to political opponents, incite public haranguing and harassment of public officials, and stoke the fires of division at every turn.
The national discourse on anything of substance has descended into conversations full of acrimony, anger and posturing. Everyone points the blame at someone else but the blame is readily obvious. The guilt is shared by all, to include us, the voting public who allow it to continue.
Meanwhile, our children are watching, learning and modeling what they see. What would happen if our children followed the lead of our leaders? What kind of character would they develop? Would we be proud of their conduct? Would God be pleased? As you decide whether to vote or how to vote, consider these elected officials are role models to future generations. Recognize those we elect will contribute to training our children in the way they should go. And our children will not depart from that.
What are we teaching our children?
“In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”—Titus 2:7-8
