Moneky See Monkey Do.

Keeping our children pure starts with us- the parents. What we watch, what we wear, what we eat, what we do. They will model what we are- who we are. They will do what we do.

Today at the park I saw a girl with her mom - she couldn't have been more than 5 years old. But she looked, was dressed and acted like she was 13. No judgement towards the mom. But of course the girl is only acting like what she sees. And the girl's mom, then in turn, is only acting like she has been inadvertently taught. What she has seen on TV, in ads, in magazines, her friends and perhaps HER mother. And so it goes on. The cycle must stop.

As a child of God, I like to try to set an example for my children. But it's tough. If you're a parent - you know what that is like. It's so easy to say, "Do as I say not as I do." But kids are more apt to follow the old adage, "monkey see, monkey do." I for one am the first to admit that I have a hard time changing -old habits die hard.

I think the girl at the park and her mom are both victims of a society that teaches us that we are only valuable based on what we wear, how we look and how 'pushy' /talkative we are. The mom doesn't know better because no one has taught her or modeled something better for her. Society is teaching us that, "If you are a beautiful, super-model, with an attitude- you'll be successful and get somewhere in life" Such a bad lesson our society teaches. Women are far more valuable than what's on the outside. It's what's on the inside that counts. Are you kind & considerate of others? Are you honest? Do you value learning? Do you read God's Holy Word and meditate on it daily? Do you 'do' the Scriptures or merely read it?

The Word of God says, " Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves...." I Peter 3:3-5

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+3:3-5&version=NIV

As parents, we should teach our daughters to dress modestly. Which means of course that we should model that by what we wear (if you are the Mom), by throwing out magazines, and cutting the cable. This may sound extreme to some -but consider it an investment into your children's lives. It's so very worth it to teach them to value themselves (who they are- their minds, their hearts), rather than what is on them (or others).

Put God 1st in everything you do. Read the Word. Do what it says. Value what you put into your mind and heart - and see what amazing, God-fearing children will come from such an example! Remember that song, "Oh be careful little eyes." What we think, say, do, watch, where we go- all of it - should be all for God. Our kids will see that effort and try to do the same thing.

What kind of person do you want your kids to be when they grow up? I hope I can live like Jesus so they can be like Jesus.

Remember- "Monkey see, monkey do." (I know - yup. It is easier said than done, right?)