A few years ago, I walked through James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore. The study was both rich and convicting, shedding light on sins in my life that I had either ignored or hidden.
While studying the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Beth referenced Matthew 5:19:
“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven…” (HCSB).
The phrase “teaches others to do the same” stopped me in my tracks. It’s one thing to sin privately—but another entirely to lead someone else into sin by example. The Holy Spirit used this study to reveal the “justified” sins I was putting on display in front of the young eyes in our home.
Least in the Kingdom
Each time I spoke harshly about someone or failed to show love to the those who rubbed me wrong, I was modeling how not to love others.
Each time I lost patience with my children, I was showing them how to respond with impatience to each other.
Each time I made a cutting remark toward my husband, I was failing to show our daughter and sons what a godly marriage of honor and respect looks like.
Yes, children are born with sinful hearts. They don’t need help learning how to sin. And yes, the child is responsible for his or her own choices. But while in our home, I am the loudest and most visible influence in their lives. They are learning what it means to love or not love others by watching me.
Great in the Kingdom
But Jesus doesn’t stop there. Matthew 5:19 continues:
“…but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
That phrase—“great in the kingdom of heaven”—is exactly what my heart longs for as I parent.
And it begins with me. Moment by moment, I have to choose to live what I read in the Scriptures and teach to my children. Because, as the saying goes, virtues are caught more than taught.
Every day, I must lay down my pride and seek the Lord so that what my children see in me reflects what I pray to see in them.
So I invite you to join me in asking: What sins am I teaching my children?
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