"Because That's What You Do!"

It's been some time now since I've written a blog.  Things have been very hectic and stressful lately; I think I've lazied out... My eight year old son Will has wanted to spend his every waking moment with me this weekend and I have loved every minute of it.  Oddly enough, he's taught me a couple of lessons I want to share with you.  I titled this blog, "Because That's What You Do!" because of something that Will said to me yesterday (which I will share with you later), but this statement can mean so many things.  It can be good, bad, or maybe even accusing.

I wonder, how many of you who are reading my blog (including myself as I write it) are actively seeking to set the example?  And I mean the good example.  On the other hand, how many times have I found myself with a bad attitude and chose to take it out on others?  How many of us find ourselves engaged in personal warfare while only attempting to hide our own weaknesses or failures?  This is not what we've been designed to do!  God does not desire for us to act this way nor does he want us to be victim of such antics.

The root scripture of my blog tonight is found in Titus 2:7-8 which reads, "⁷ In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."(NIV)  Now the book of Titus is simply a letter written by Paul to Titus with instructions on how to supervise the Churches of that day on the island of Crete.  The letter is packed with great guidance, wisdom, encouragement, and words of experience.  In other words, Paul was mentoring and setting the example.  Let's not forget that the early leaders of that day had every reason to complain, yet people like Paul chose to keep fighting the good fight.  He set the example for all of us to follow yet we never hear him complain or try to throw somebody else under the bus to cover up his own mistakes.  In this passage, he gives us sound wisdom to follow.  Paul knew that there would be attacks on Titus and I'm sure Titus knew that as well.  However, Paul reminded him not to fall victim to running his mouth.  I think that's a problem at times for all of us; running our mouth.


Before I leave you with my challenge, I want to share with you what Will said to me yesterday.  My Mom's cat recently gave birth to six kittens and Will and Katie have feel in love.  Will and I were on the way to the farm to plow some garden spots and cut the grass when Will shares this with me;

Will: Well Dad, it's official; I'm a Daddy.
Me: Well congratulations Will, is it a boy or a girl?
Will: Both, and I have to take care of them.
Me: Why do you have to take care of them?
Will: Because that's what Daddy's do.
Me: How do you know?
Will: (Looked me square in the eye) Because that's what you do!

There are many days where I feel like I don't do a good job setting the example both at work and at home.  Then times like these come along and remind me that it's always worth stepping up and manning up for the cause of Christ.  Even when I fail, I must get back up and keep trying!  My challenge to each of you that reads this blog tonight, is to do everything you can to set the good example this week.  At all costs, resist the urge to throw somebody under the bus, have the, "ME" attitude, or run your mouth.