What kind of example are we setting for our children?

Be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little eyes what you see. Because the Lord up above looking down with love. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. 

If you grew up in church or have volunteered in a church nursery chances you have heard this song. It’s a sweet song that instructs children to be careful of what their eyes see, what their ears hear, and what or whom their hearts trust. But it is so much more than a little song because as adults we know it is what we consume through our eyes, ears, hearts that can build us up or tear us down. It is what we consume that will eventually flow from us. This catchy tune teaches the importance of what we let in. We may even sing it with our own children in hopes they will be mindful of what their little eyes see…

But those little eyes see us. Their little ears hear us. Their little hearts trust us.

What do my children see when their little eyes watch me interact with others?

Do they see me roll my eyes and get frustrated when things don’t go my way or do they see me show respect to those around me?

Maybe they even see me taking time to sit with the Lord and seek His guidance when I’m overwhelmed.

What do their little ears hear when I’m on the phone or stuck in traffic?

Do they hear me lash out or cast judgment in the situation, or do they hear me voice peace even when things are difficult? 

As a follower of Christ, I am called to be an ambassador for the kingdom of God. I am called to: 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”( Matthew22:37a; 39b).

Do my children see that love? Living for Christ isn’t something intended just for Sunday morning service, Bible studies, mission trips, and social media posts. Living for Christ is just that, living each and every moment of every day with one goal: to love God and love others because He first loved us. 

Living for Christ is a tall order that we honestly are not equipped to fulfill. If we wake up every day attempting to set good examples for our children on our own we will more than likely fail before our first sip of coffee. But if we wake up, surrender to Christ, and know that we can accomplish nothing of value apart from Him we are on the right track.

In order to live for Christ, we have to know who Christ is and the only way that is going to happen is by spending time with Him.

Mamas and daughters of the one true King, caretakers of God’s precious children, let us fill ourselves with the goodness of God so that we may be mindful of what the little eyes, ears, and hearts are taking in around us. Let us act in love, speak in love, and guide those hearts towards the love of Jesus Christ. 

Blessings,

Laura Dedmon