20 Apr, 2009

"Do as I Say, Not as I do...?"

Police Say Speeding Grandma Topped 100 MPH
Woman Said She Was Teaching Grandson Lesson.

SALEM, Ore. -- You know about "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena." But how about the speeding granny from Salem?
Marion County authorities said 53-year-old Sandra Nardi was doing 103 mph with her 10-year-old grandson in the car on Sunday.
Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Lorance said a deputy clocked Nardi with a radar gun. The deputy said he's never seen anybody going that fast on that particular road.
Authorities said Nardi claimed to have been teaching her grandson about the dangers of speeding. She supposedly warned the boy never to drive the way she does.

Story Courtesy kptv.com, 04/07/09

Titus 2:6-8 (New Living Translation) 

In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.  And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.  Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

What does God’s Story teach us about being an example to others?

While the grandma in today’s story may have had good intentions, she chose an interesting way to teach her grandson not to speed.  There is an old saying that reads, “Do as I say, not as I do.”  Not a great motto for teaching others.  In fact, Jesus provided the perfect example for us as he walked the earth.  He didn’t tell us to just do as he says, he said, “Come follow me.”  In other words, Jesus said watch me and be like me and you will bring glory to God.  That’s why reading stories of Jesus when he walked on the earth is so important, they provide real life examples of how to love God and live a full life.
Just as Jesus is our example, the verses in Titus tell us that we are to be examples for others.  Your friends may never read stories about Jesus, but they do watch you in action.  When you follow Jesus and let your friends in on that, they see Jesus through you.  There is another saying that reads, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” That means telling our friends to be like Jesus doesn’t mean much if they don’t see us living it and depending on Him everyday.

How do we connect Today's Story & God's Story Scripture to our own lives? 

Think about who, in your life, has set a great example for you to follow. (besides Jesus)  What did they do to show you how to live?  What do you do now that you learned from them?  Consider writing a note or email to them to thank them for being a Godly example to you.

How can we connect Today's Story, God's Story Scripture, & our story to our friends? 

Tell a friend who doesn’t know Jesus about today’s story.  Tell them about a time when someone coached you or was an example to you.  Share with your friend how they have been an example in your life or helped you be a better person. (Chances are since they are your friend there is something you see in them that you appreciate)
Consider talking about how Jesus has been the best example for you.
 

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The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

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