I had not planned on writing about this subject for awhile, but the power of influence is so startling,  I decided to revisit the subject once more.

Each morning, since the start of the school,  I walk through two sets of doors bringing me into the Intermediate school.  It never dawned on me what was happening until this morning the change I was beginning to see.  As I walk through the huge security doors, I open the door for students who are arriving, bringing band instrument, back packs and all manner of projects.  Occasionally a student would say thank you, but not often.  Most rush on by without saying anything, as they hurry on to class.

“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks:  and he was a Samaritan.  And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed?  but where are the nine?”     Luke 17:16-17

Over the past month I have noticed a change, but did not focus on that change until this morning.  They see me as I walk through the corridor and now wait and open the door for me.  I tell them thank you, and hold the door open for the next student or teacher.  How much influence I have had I know not . . . but there has been a change.  They have learned to say please, thank you, and you’re welcome as their fellow students and teachers arrive for the day.  When adults lead the way by example, kids will imitate the example set before them.

“In everything give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”     II Thessalonians 5:18

“Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure; and whether it be right.”   Proverbs 20:11

I see young people of all ages, and teach a Bible class of 2nd – 5th grade students on Lord’s day.  When I look at them, I see the future of the Lord’s church.  I see bright eyes eager to learn.  I hear laughter from these children.  Their hearts are still tender.  I see the importance of rearing them in the paths of righteousness.  I see future elders, teachers and preachers of the Lord’s church.  It is then I realize the gravity of teaching and teaching by example.

“Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”    Proverbs 22:6

“As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined. . .”     ~ 18th Century Proverbial Saying

Tomorrow will be here sooner than we think.  The time is short to teach children those precepts and promises of God’s Word.  In those children lie our tomorrows.  Teaching is a moment by moment, example by example and a day to day process.

“And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”   Isaiah 54:13

At one time you may have heard this statement:  “Don’t do as I do, but do as I say do.”  I have often thought about the statement, and though it may sound good, it is not.  If we are not willing to do that which is right, why should we expect children to do any better?  They are the students, we are the teachers, and like it or not, we exert a powerful influence upon those young hearts.

“And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:  but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”      Ephesians 6:4

“Sooner, perhaps, than we realize, the fate of the Lord’s church will be in the hands of today’s children.”      ~ Ballard  (Emphasis (EL)