Philippians 3:17

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.”

Would you be comfortable telling your kids to imitate your example when it comes to living out your faith? Would you be willing to make the same offer to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers?

Paul exhorted his readers to imitate his life on more than one occasion, and every time I read those passages it makes me stop and think: would I want anyone to imitate mine? I have my bright moments, of course, when I do things well…but I have some very dark ones, too. I’m in touch with my own hypocrisy and shortcomings and they tend to shine brightly when I stop to ponder whether I would want anyone…especially my kids…to imitate my life.

The glaring take away from this passage for me is this: What are the areas of my life that I do NOT want my kids to imitate? The actions or the words or the thoughts that I would never want to show up in their own lives? That answer makes it clear what I need to work on in my walk with the Lord.