Who gets dressed without giving any thought to what they are wearing? Possibly your 3 year old! I am confident that you are committed to teach them in the days to come how to pick the appropriate outfit for each new day. Character is always fitting no matter what the occasion. Take a moment to ponder four main questions concerning the wardrobe of character.
WHY CHARACTER?
Character in its simplest definition is moral excellence. Excellence is different than perfection. With perfection there is only one right way to do a thing, however with excellence there is always a better way.
Do you have a vision for merely existence or destiny when it comes to your children? Clothe them in virtue while preparing them for success. Remember that your gift will make a way for you but your character will keep you there.
WHAT TO WEAR?
W – WORK is not the drudgery of chores but the opportunity for character building. Begin to include your children in tasks around the house.
E – EXCELLENCE…not perfection. It takes so little to be above average. Dress your child from the inside out.
A – APPLY character in the home. If you want your children to walk in character, you must do the same. Teach the language of character.
R – REACH. Though the bar of a lifestyle of character may be high it can be reached by standing on the parent’s shoulders. Our children have the advantage of starting from our present level and moving far beyond us. Help them reach the bar.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Have fun learning character together. Life is the classroom. Be alert to character filled lives around you. Begin to use character words. Use helpful tools such as the library, finding or creating songs or emphasizing a specific character quality per month when clothing your child with character. Begin with teaching basic manners which demonstrate respect, love, deference, kindness, attentiveness, sensitivity, sincerity, and much more. The home is God’s runway for modeling character. You have the awesome privilege of being the keeper of the wardrobe.
What are you wearing today that models moral excellence?
A note to the believer…
We are admonished in Romans to “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.” The woman of Proverbs 31 made strength and honor her clothing. Col. 3:12 tells us of some specific pieces of wardrobe…”Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” “Regardless of what else you put on wear love. It is your basic, all-purpose garment never be without it.” Col 3:14
When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!