A content takes the shape of its container. What you have is what you will give. We are original by nature and by divine assignment, but we inherit from our influences in the process of our development. Every generation lives off its previous generation. Through the ages, by posterity, every generation has been fed, cultured, nurtured, influenced, and shaped by the generation that birthed them. That is how it has been since the beginning of the world\u2014and that is how it will be until the end of this current world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being a parent or guardian automatically places on you the role of a model to your children. In general, everyone in life is by nature a leader\u2014a model\u2014whether they accept it or not. By the way we act and live our lives, we influence others. Whether we do what is right before God or not, our actions and inactions have a direct or indirect impact on those within our sphere of influence. This shapes how we help others understand and engage with life. Therefore, we must be intentional about living right, as God expects<\/strong><\/em>, so that humanity can continue to fulfill its God-ordained purpose and remain balanced in existence. God expects us to be a good example for the children and wards in our care as He mentioned regarding Abraham in Genesis 18:19<\/strong><\/em> – For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (NIV)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you are will reflect in your child or ward as you nurture them. It is your God-appointed role to train the child or ward in your care in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6<\/em><\/strong>). This means you must first be a living example of what you want to impart to the child. Every human being is born ignorant, like a stranger in a new location, needing guidance from someone who knows the way. As parents and guardians, we are to show our children the way they should go, so their life on earth will be meaningful as God intends (Psalm 119:19<\/strong><\/em> \u2013 \u201cI am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Models are personalities we look up to. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a person who is a model is someone who constitutes, serves as, or is worthy of being a pattern to be imitated<\/em>. We emulate many things from our models\u2014sometimes physical traits, speech patterns, or aspects of their character. Children and wards look up to their parents for practically everything. It is from the accumulated life resources (spiritual, mental, physical, and otherwise<\/em>) that parents and guardians have gathered that they pour into their children and wards. (Proverbs 27.17 – Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being the God-expected living example<\/strong> to our children and wards (who are God\u2019s heritage) starts from knowing and understanding God\u2019s general expectation for every human being. God has a specific expectation for each person, and He has provided a clear human model we are to follow. While we reflect certain traits of God naturally, He has presented a human pattern to show us the kind of life He accepts\u2014this model is Jesus Christ<\/strong> (Matthew 3:17<\/strong><\/em> – KJV<\/strong><\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.<\/strong><\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Ephesians 4:13<\/strong> – KJV<\/strong><\/em>, this truth is reaffirmed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTill we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n From this passage, it is clear that the ultimate goal for every human being is to become like Jesus Christ<\/strong>. With this understanding, the next question is: What does becoming like Christ actually look like?<\/strong> During His earthly life, what did Jesus embody that we must learn and emulate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n From His birth to His resurrection, Jesus Christ lived as God\u2019s ultimate example of what humanity was designed to be. His life was not just a mission of salvation but a demonstration of how every human should live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the key highlights of His life and the practical virtues we must copy to fulfill God’s expectation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Life Highlight:<\/strong> \u201cMy meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work\u201d (John 4:34). Life Highlight:<\/strong> Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). Kingdom Mindset and Dominion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Life Highlight<\/strong>: \u201cHe lived with the Kingdom mindset – Work, Righteousness, Thankfulness, Faithfulness, Good Management, Dominion and being a blessing – He went about preaching to save souls(work), many believed on Him (Genesis 1:28). When it came to earthly matters, Jesus knew how to manage things, He was wise. Life Highlight:<\/strong> \u201cHe went about doing good\u2026 healing the oppressed\u201d (Acts 10:38). Life Highlight:<\/strong> \u201cHe committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth\u201d (1 Peter 2:22). Life Highlight:<\/strong> \u201cHe humbled Himself and became obedient unto death\u2014even death on a cross\u201d (Philippians 2:8). Life Highlight:<\/strong> \u201cThe Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve\u201d (Matthew 20:28). Life Highlight:<\/strong> Jesus stayed focused on His life\u2019s purpose, avoiding worldly distractions. Life Highlight:<\/strong> Despised and rejected by men, yet He did not retaliate (Isaiah 53:3-7). By following Jesus\u2019 example in obedience, love, humility, prayer, focus, and surrender to God\u2019s will, we align ourselves with God\u2019s ultimate expectation for every human life (Ephesians 4:13).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a parent or guardian, your life will shape the life of your child or ward. Children are born ignorant, needing a model to follow\u2014and that model is you. Your words, actions, attitudes, and character will directly influence their understanding of life, of themselves, and of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, to be the right model, you must first understand and pursue God\u2019s standard for human life: Jesus Christ<\/strong>. God\u2019s ultimate goal for every person is to become like Christ.<\/em> This makes Jesus the perfect model for every parent, leader, and individual who desires to be the right influence in the lives of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In doing this, you will not only fulfill God\u2019s expectation for yourself but also pass on the right legacy to the next generation<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be the God-expected example.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" e are all made by influence. A content takes the shape of its container. What you have is what you will give, we are original by nature but inherit from our influences.<What You Are Reflects in Your Child<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Role of Models in Human Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Becoming the God-Expected Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Jesus: God’s Model for Every Human Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Total Surrender to God’s Will<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Prioritize God\u2019s will above personal interests. Seek God’s purpose daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLife of Prayer and Fellowship with God<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Maintain consistent personal prayer and intimate fellowship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> thankfulness, righteousness, being good managers, fruitfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCompassion and Love for All<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Show love in practical ways\u2014serve, help, forgive, and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLife of Holiness and Purity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Keep thoughts, speech, and actions pure, avoiding moral compromise.<\/p>\n\n\n\nObedience, Even Unto Death<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Be willing to obey God regardless of personal cost or sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSelfless Service and Humility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Embrace a servant\u2019s heart. Serve others with humility and grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFocused Life: Mission Above Distractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Live purposefully, putting God’s kingdom first above earthly pursuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEndurance in Trials and Rejection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Copy:<\/strong> Endure rejection, persecution, and trials patiently, trusting God\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn Summary: Becoming God’s Expectation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Summary: You Are the Child\u2019s First Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n