"Because I said so..."

As the ministry season kicks into full gear, what are the children in your ministry seeing from you?

Are you telling the children the need to pray, but you don't do it regularly?

Are you sharing the importance of reading the Bible, but neglect to bring yours or have trouble finding it before club?

Are you encouraging children to memorize Scripture, but you don't take the time?

Are you teaching the importance of telling others about Jesus and bringing friends, but you withdraw when you have the opportunity to talk to someone about Jesus?

Are we inadvertently conveying the message to the children in our ministry that they should "do as we say, but not as we do"? If so, what kind of worldview will these children have?

The children are imitating us, yes us, parents and teachers in their lives. Teach them by example. Work through the handbook with your clubbers, learn the verses you ask them to memorize.

If it is important enough that we teach children they should do it, then it should be important enough for us to do as well. Isn't that what Jesus did....teach by example? Let us be like Jesus.