“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matt. 5:14) It is easy to curse the darkness. It is more challenging to be the light. That pretty much explains why most people will complain while few will offer solutions. From politics to church, stepping into a habit of providing critical comments doesn’t require discipline or restraint, as the impulses of our carnal nature prod us in that direction.
On the other hand, we have to make a conscious decision to be different, to elevate our response to be an example for the younger generation. This reminds me of a story about a mother cooking pancakes for her two sons, Kevin age 5, and Ryan age 3. The boys were arguing over who would get to eat the first pancake. As the contention increased, their mother saw it as an excellent opportunity to teach a moral lesson to her sons. She said, “If Jesus were here, he would be an example to his brother and let him eat first. He would say, I can wait.” The boys shook their heads in agreement with their mom’s lesson. Then Kevin, the oldest boy, turned to his younger brother and said, “OK, you be Jesus!”
Too many times we are like the older brother. We want others to be like Jesus so that we can take advantage of their kindness and sacrifice. God calls us to be men and women of faithfulness who refuse to shrink back from our responsibilities to reflect Christ to our generation. Our children and grandchildren are watching us, and our actions are saying a lot more than our words. You are being watched, and I am being watched. What are we teaching?
Another illustration is a mother who invited several people over for lunch after church. She wanted to impress others with her sacrifice and kindness. As the visitors sat down, she turned to her daughter and asked her to return thanks. The young daughter said, “Mom, I don’t know what to say.” The mother, wanting to appear as a spiritual example to her friends, replied, “Just say what you have heard mommy say.” The daughter nodded Okay. Bowing her head and clasping her hands she prayed, “Lord, why on earth did we invite this many people over!”
Our children and the generation around us are watching our actions and listening to our words. We must always be aware that little eyes and ears are observing our every move. We must not place the responsibility on others, whether they are coaches, teachers, siblings or friends. As Christians, the most important thing we have to offer is a living example to those who look up to us. Little eyes are looking our way when we think not. Little feet are mimicking us when we aren’t looking. Let us take care not to shrink back from our calling, not to fail our children, and not to look at others and say…You Be Jesus!
