Father's Example

HOOK:

BEAU STORY

Riding in the car

Hung his head out to get a little bit of ari

Hit his head on the end aisle

People everywhere

So embarrassed/Beau is losing his mind.

Points at me, “Daddy did it.”

Sometimes as parents, we just blow it

Aren’t you glad our Heavenly Father never fails

We may not always understand why, but he never fails

Even though we’re not perfect, we should strive to be an example for our kids

Kenny story

“You have 2 years to blow it and figure this out

After 2 years, your kids start to catch on to things and take on your appearance

I know 2 is still young, but it’s crazy what a kid can remember

Brantley and beau will say things that i have to think about

I can’t even remember what I ate for lunch yesterday

The catholic church says 7 or 8- some of the most crucial time in a kids life

I believe the culture is catching on to this

IF you can mold them here, then they got em

Been in student ministry 11 years, i’ve seen students take on the appearance of their parents

Hear me! Students are not responsible for their parents!

Just because a parent has a certain reputation, doesn’t mean that a kid will grow up like him

It is easier for a kid to pick up bad habits and choices when they see it all the time

(Oden) Story

Kids got on fire for the lord

One of the worst home lives i’ve seen

Something happened at home

Being so ugly

What’s going on?

Starts talking about his home life

The thing that you hate the most, is the thing that you’re doing tonight!

He had seen this his entire life, it was his norm

This was the example of what a home was to him

At some point, our kids will choose who they will serve

Are we giving them a good example of what it means to love God?

Is your example pointing them to Jesus? Or away?

BOOK: 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

Paul is telling the people at Corinth to follow his example

Pretty bold statement

He wasn’t trying to teach people about him, he was determined to point them to Jesus

Paul was able to nourish and cherish himself in order to be in a place to lead people to Jesus

Aren’t you glad for people like this in our lives

They live life in such a way that it permeates Jesus

Mrs. Purvis funeral service- ⅘ people shared about her

Godly example

Loved Jesus

Loved me

One lady- Church was boring when I was kid, Years down the road, I game my life to Christ, so grateful for her showing me an example of Jesus

Can I ask- Are you striving after Jesus, and living your life in a way that points to him?

Are we able to be bold enough to say, follow my example?

Not perfect, but striving to live like Jesus.

LOOK: Practical ways to be the example of Jesus.

Learn to Listen

James 1:19-20-  My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

We have it backwards- we’re quick to anger, speak, and slow to listen

Want to be like Jesus, learn to slow down and listen

Easy for me here

For me, it's much easier to do it here, it gets difficult when I’m at home

Really listen to them

Listen with your heart- not just hearing what they’re saying, but caring what they have to say

LISTEN WITH YOUR MIND- Easy to let you’re mind wonder, Put down distractions and focus in

LISTEN WITH YOUR BODY- Put down your phone, look them in the eye

One of the ways we can exemplify Jesus at home is to simply listen

Quick to listen

When we do respond- Choose words wisely

Jesus always chose his words wisely

Even when the pharasee would try to trap him in his words, we listened, and then responded

Read James 3: 1-12

James uses a lot of word pictures to help us understand the power of our words.

THE BIT: This small piece of metal lets humans guide huge animals with very little effort. In the hands of any rider, the bit is a helpful tool that keeps both human and horse on the right track.

THE RUDDER: James writes about the rudder of a boat, but maybe you're more familiar with airplanes.  It's that tiny flap on the very back of the tail. Isn't it amazing that such an enormous machine is steered by such a small thing?

THE SPARK: We use small controlled sparks to light candles, campfires, fireplaces, and stoves. But an uncontrolled spark (like our uncontrolled words) can cause a significant amount of damage.

Words may seem small, but they can have a huge impact!

The way we use our words at home, can set a huge example for our kids

Challenge- chose words wisely at home

WONDER ABOUT YOUR WORDS. Whether you're speaking in person or online, pay attention the words you say. Are they hurtful? Helpful? True? Kind?

SPEND EXTRA TIME THINKING BEFORE YOU SPEAK. Before you say, pause for a little bit longer than you usually would. It's so easy to be careless with our words, but they can have a huge effect.

Ask for forgiveness when you blow it. - you’re human! Acknowledge it when you mess up.

CHOOSE WORDS THAT HELP. Watching our words doesn't mean staying silent or only saying "nice" things. Like Jesus, sometimes we need to say words that are true even if they're uncomfortable. So how do we know what to say? Try saying words that help, uplift, speak truth, or challenge others to be more like Jesus.

How you say something is just as important as what you say

Are you being an example with the way you listen, and the way you speak?

To be an example- Listen well, respond with words, lastly….

3. Make Peace-

James 3:17-18- 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Want to be an example for Jesus at home, strive to make peace!

STOP THE DRAMA (DON'T START IT). We all start drama more than we care to admit. Our words, looks, actions, or inaction are all capable of hurting others and creating conflict. What small thing can you do this week to be drama-stopper instead of a drama-starter?

BUILD A BRIDGE (DON'T BURN IT). When we're hurt or angry, we often want to hit back, take revenge, or end a relationship. When a relationship is unhealthy or abusive, walking away is probably the best thing you can do. But most of the time, the more radical (and Jesus-like) response is to reach out instead of push people away. Do you have any damaged relationships that could be repaired by rebuilding a bridge you once burned?

FIGHT FOR OTHERS (NOT JUST YOURSELF). Being a peacemaker isn't always about righting wrongs in your relationships. Sometimes it's about righting wrongs in the world. We can be peacemakers by fighting for others who need help, or support, or a friend, or an advocate. Who's someone (or something bigger than yourself) you could fight for?

MAKE PEACE WITH GOD (NOT JUST OTHERS). For the last few weeks, we've spent a lot of time talking about how Jesus teaches us to love others, but don't forget about Jesus' most important goal — to make a way for us to have peace with God.

TOOK:  Want to be able to say “ follow my example”

Listen well to your kids

Chose words wisely before speaking

Make peace

Make peace with God

We make it more difficult than it needs to be, Jesus kept it simple for us

Challenge- What is the example you are setting at home?

I want to commit to being the example that leads people to Jesus!