Children often teach us a lot by their simple faith—or about faith simply by the way they live and learn. Today, author Janis Cox shares some insights into Christian living that came to her while she was babysitting her grandson.
Kids Mimic Adults
As I spent time babysitting my 22-month-old grandson for 2 weeks, I noticed how much he mimicked his parents and his grandma. All our actions were noticed and copied.
He knew where the remote was located and that he needed to push buttons to get the TV to come on. (I pleaded ignorance as I don’t like TV, but he managed to put it on and get a channel.) He would copy my actions when I said grace—by holding his hands in prayer and wanting to thank God for other things.
He viewed a video of babies talking to one another in babble and he copied their babble with the same inflections and loudness. When he says, “no”, he says it exactly how my daughter says it.
Who Is Watching Me?
It made me think about how others see us as Christians. Are we ambassadors of Christ? Do we watch our words and our actions so that they will see the sweetness and love of Jesus? We need to be good presenters of Christ so others can follow us. And too, do we mimic Christ? His instructions are very clear in 1 Corinthians 13—the way of love. Can we show love—the real love—to all whom we meet?
Do I foster a “meek and quiet spirit” or a “spirit of self-satisfaction” (Oswald Chambers)?
Do I show a quiet loving spirit even when situations can rile me? Am I conscious of how I react to situations? Or do I let my emotions and self get in the way of my spirit?
We have been told we are works in progress. However, we have to be conscious of what we say and how we act—not only are others watching but God is watching too.
“Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought-choices will keep you close to Me [Jesus].” (Sarah Young, Jesus Calling).
Do I show a quiet loving spirit even when situations can rile me?
How do others see us as Christians? Are we ambassadors of Christ?
More about Janis Cox
Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press, now available in Kindle Format, in bookstores, online and from her website. A free curriculum is also available upon request (email authorjaniscox at gmail.com). Janis also is a contributor to Hope Stream Radio; join her there on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Tadeo has his own Facebook Page.
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