I came across this challenging quote by the great Anglican theologian J.C. Ryle today –
“Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear… Imitation is a far stronger principle with children than memory. What they see has a much stronger effect on their minds than what they are told.” – J. C. Ryle
St. Francis of Assisi is renowned for having said “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” While this quote is perhaps overused, considering words have been one of the primary ways that God has used to make known the gospel to the world, I think it still may apply to our children. Kids absorb everything their parents do – like a plant absorbs water from the earth, or sunlight from the sky.
Demonstrate the gospel
My eldest son, Ezra, mimics almost everything I do – from the way I swing a baseball bat, to the way I walk. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you’ve seen the same thing in your kids. Often instructing Ezra on how to do something isn’t nearly as effective as demonstrating it to him.
This is J.C. Ryle’s challenge to us as parents – demonstrate the gospel with your life. I’m challenged to be intentional in letting my kids see me read the bible. See me pray. See me be generous to our neighbors. Talking with them is vital, but showing them Jesus at work in our lives, will make visible for them the reality of God’s kingdom, and will pattern for them a life lived before God.
