Leading By Example

Leviticus 19:32 – Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. (NIV)

When three of my grandsons were young, I walked them to school each morning. On one particular day, the path and the gate we used were blocked by a huge mound of snow. We had to climb up and slide down the hill. I was happy that I was dressed for the occasion by having my snow pants on. All that was showing was my face. My grandsons had a good laugh with me.

We came to the side of the road to cross. To the right of us, there was a woman shovelling snow off her driveway. She assumed that we were going to cross over at her driveway, as other children did, to get to school. She scolded us and told me that I was the worst one by being older. I assured her in a nice way that we had no intention of crossing onto her property. My eldest grandson was upset that I did not yell back at her. I told my grandsons that Jesus always wants us to respect other people and their property. We should always do to others as we would like them to do for us.

Returning home, I met my daughter and her neighbour, and told them of the incident. Since the neighbour knew the woman, she called her and told her that she was scolding a grandmother. We all had a good laugh because the woman thought that I was a grade-eight student taking her siblings to school.

This experience gave me a chance to teach my grandsons about how God wants us to respect others. God wants us to lead by example. We never know when someone may be watching us.

Romans 14:19 – Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (NIV)

Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (NIV)

Prayer: Jesus, may we always show respect for each other in every situation. Lead us in the righteous path to peace, so that we can set an example for others. Amen.

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