Dear Nation Builder,
I hope this meets you well.
Last week,we discussed two ways your marriage can shape the nation –ruling your home with God’s Word and engaging in regular prayers.
Today, I’d like to discuss two more approaches to how your marriage can contribute to shaping the nation. Again, l’d like to emphasize that these steps are more practical than theoretical.
- Being a Godly Model
“offer yourself as a role model of good actions. Show integrity, seriousness,and a sound message that is above criticism when you teach, so that any opponent will be ashamed because they won’t find anything bad to say about us.” – Titus 2:7-8 CEB
As nation builders, it is essential for us to always remember that change begins with us. This is a mindset we must live by and apply in our decisions daily. At the level of the home, it’s even more crucial because we are the first example our children see. If your marriage is to meet the demands of contributing to the society, then your first civic responsibility is to become a positive role model to your children.
Being a role model to your children is paramount because your lifestyle shapes their behavior.You must embody the qualities you wish to instill in your children, whether it’s honesty, integrity, hard work, or kindness. Our children learn first-hand by observing how we live and respond to real-life situations. Living an exemplary lifestyle for your children to see and emulate is far more effective than overwhelming them with instructions and enforcing obedience. It is much easier to raise upright children when they can look up to you, their parent, as a role model for good behavior.
- Nurture Your Children with the Right Mindset
“Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.”- Proverbs 22:6 CEB
Another way your marriage can contribute to shaping the nation is by intentionally raising your children to be agents of change. Your children enter the world as blank slates, and your parenting determines their default mindset and values. It is your duty as a parent to equip them with the ability to think criticaly, make decisions based on godly principles, and behave rightly even when no one else does. By doing so, you set them on a path to becoming leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society.
Task for the week:
Take time this week to reflect on how you model godly values to your children or those around you. Identify one area where you can improve and make a conscious effort to live out that value.
I pray we receive God’s grace to implement this.
David Oyedepo Jnr.