Even A Child...

Proverbs 20:11 says, "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright."

When I was younger, this verse was quoted a lot in my house.  It was a reminder to my parents that their children would be known by their actions, but it was also a reminder to my siblings and I that people would come to know us by the way we acted.  This is kind of a scary thought!

Have you ever noticed a kid who misbehaves and wondered what kind of parents he/she has?  Maybe you have "passed judgement" on that kid's parents and labeled them "bad parents."  I know I have.  When someone mentioned that kid, did you think of all of his/her misdeeds?  I have been in that situation many times, and sometimes I wonder if people ever labeled my parents "bad parents" because of the way I acted.

I want to caution you about this verse.  Don't read the verse and think that is okay to judge kids and their parents by their actions because the Bible says we will know them by their acts.  Yes, you will know them by their acts, but you can still love them like Christ would.

Guess what!  Teenagers and adults are also known by their actions!  Your actions at home and in public will be associated with your name.  Be careful what you do because even when you think no one is watching, you can be sure that God sees everything.

This post is not meant to scare you!  On the contrary, it is meant to encourage you to act in a Christ-like way all of the time--not just when you think someone is watching.  Here is my question for you.  What are you known for?