Recently, I decided to get a personal trainer and commit to exercising regularly. The pandemic had hit me hard. I am an emotional eater so I’d had a lot of splurge nights. All of it had left me feeling tired, and I knew I needed more energy to keep up with my work, my ministry schedules, and my two kids.
I also knew I needed to invest in a trainer in order to fully commit and have accountability if my plan was going to last longer than all the other times I’d tried working out. But I am not a gym person, which is crazy because I basically work in a gym as a physical therapist. I know the benefits of exercise, and I prescribe exercise to people all day long. Even though I have a doctoral degree in physical therapy, I struggle to actually exercise. I don’t make time to work out because it’s never been a natural rhythm in my everyday life.
Growing up in an Indian home, exercise was not a value. I never played sports or saw my parents make time to prioritize exercise — probably because they never saw their parents do it either.
It makes sense though. In their generation, most people in India ate fresh produce and organic meat that they raised. They also walked everywhere. But after immigrating to America, their lifestyle and food choices changed, and unfortunately, they didn’t then incorporate the measures needed to maintain good health through exercise.
Here’s what I know: What I do, the patterns of my life, the values I hold, the rhythms I practice as a parent will directly impact the way my children will live. Knowledge isn’t enough; they need to see me live it out in order for them to desire and do it in their own lives.
God became man and dwelt among us to show us how to actually live out the commands of God. In the person of Jesus, God didn’t just come and tell us what to do; He came and showed us what to do and how to do it.
Jesus’ call to His disciples wasn’t simply to know His teachings and believe in Him. Rather, it was a call to follow Him. He invited them into His daily rhythms and routines. He didn’t just command them to love strangers and sinners; He took them with Him as He sat with prostitutes and tax collectors. He didn’t simply tell them to pray for the sick and minister to the poor; Jesus showed them how when He stopped for blind Bartimaeus and touched the lepers. Jesus didn’t just teach them to love their enemies; He put the ear that Peter had cut off back on the Roman soldier. He didn’t just tell them to care for their families; on the cross, He showed John that Mary was a priority to Him.
Knowing is not the same as doing. Teaching is not the same as practice.
So on Saturday mornings when I go to my workout sessions, I take my kids with me. I want them to see me practice and prioritize my health so that one day they will too.
As parents, discipling our children is one of the greatest privileges we get in life. Don’t simply offer them information to give them knowledge. In order for them to have a flourishing life, they need to gain wisdom by watching you practice what you say.
So what do you want to instill in your children or what do you want to change in the next generation? Is it making Christ a priority in their lives, infusing prayer into their daily rhythms, sitting with strangers to break bread, or asking for forgiveness when they fail? Do it first, then simply ask them to follow you.
I challenge you with this confident charge that Apostle Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 11:1:“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Thank you for these powerful words Simi!
Thank YOU! God bless you!
Your words spoke directly to me this morning. Living a Christ-like life conveys more to our children and all others in our circle than anything we can say. Your words put it so very well. Thank you.
God gives us grace to do this, it ain’t simply human will or effort, but when we surrender to God daily and desire to steward our kids well- God will give us the grace to live this way.
Simi, this is so beautiful! I have never before looked at these passages and drawn these conclusions. You have opened my eyes to something new! “What would Jesus Do?” takes on new meaning for me now. Thank you!
Oh friend, I am so happy that this resonated with you!
Profound & practical ~ Thank You Simi John!
Thank YOU!!
Simi thank you for what you wrote. I don’t have any kids. Not that brave. But it confims that I am to live the way Jesus would in front of my unsaved family. Especially my Niece’s and Nephews. As none of them saved. So as they will see I don’t live like the world. That they will see I live as God words says. Everything I do is about is about Jesus not the world’s ways that lead to me living in sin. They will through my prayers and what I say as I only speak and say things in my life that glorify God. Then they will also see my life is different. That I do everything for the in glory of God and not the world’s ways. That lead to sin. They will one day in God perfect timing want the way I live. Come to know Jesus for themselves. Not live in the world and it darkness. See they will only true light is in Jesus. So that is why I don’t tell them. They need to be saved as they wouldn’t listen. I show them by living it in front of them for Jesus. Loved you message. Enjoy your kids as they crow up far to be fast. One of my sisters kids is 22 next month. I ask God to richly bless your kids and to give them Godly friends. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little xx
Yes! Love your heart! How we live matters more than the lessons we teach. They are seeds that we are planting in their hearts and one day it will produce fruit.
well said! thank you for reminder to think about what i’m showing (or what people are seeing) rather than just what i’m saying.
I think the world is ready and desperate to see Jesus in us- that is what will change the world and make them want Jesus!
“In the person of Jesus, God didn’t just come and tell us what to do; He came and showed us what to do and how to do it.” Yes! Well said, friend. What a gift we have in Jesus. Grateful for your encouragement and challenge today!
Such a crazy thought, rt? As His children that is how He shows us how to live- by following Him, so then that is how we parent our children too! Not always easy, but thank God for His grace that enables us to do hard things and the power the Holy Spirit to teach us how to do them.
Simi,
The world, especially children, are watching our every move. We need to practice what we preach. Be examples of Christ to this sinful world. The saying goes “actions speak louder than words”. People respond/are more receptive to actions. At work I do my best to show Christ’s love to the patients, RNs. Helping them out, being kind no matter what. Most can tell by what I do & the music I listen to that I am a Christian. Follow my example.
Blessings 🙂
Amen!! I love that!
Lovely message and one I pray I can do.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you, I know you can friend! It’s the only way any of us can live this out!