'Clothe' your children with good character
"Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus."
- Romans 13:14 (NIV).
Each year at this time, I reflect with fond memories on the routine of sending the kids back to school.
The memories are vivid to this day.
"Mother, this just doesn't fit right. Let's look somewhere else," my son would express his dissatisfaction as he searched to find a comfortable fitting pair of jeans. They were either too long, too short, too tight.
As a parent, I had a responsibility to ensure my children's apparel was appropriate for school and was comfortable fitting so they could wear it with ease.
More than the material clothing I provided for my children as they returned to school each year, was the importance that they were wearing the apparel of the love of Christ.
They needed to display good character, such as respect for another person's feelings, restraint from teasing, bullying or name calling. The understanding that it is important to hold others in esteem by not taking or damaging their belongings.
These are principles that will keep them out of the principal's office, and follow them through life. These things will make them an example to others who do not know love.
There are Bible passages that speak about our spiritual clothing. This is referring to our behavior.
We must purpose ourselves to put this behavior on, just as we put on our clothing each day. These attributes don't automatically appear, we choose to display them, knowing they are the way to bring about good in our lives and the lives of others. This is how we clothe ourselves with Jesus Christ.
We should make sure we instruct our children of the need to put on spiritual attire. It may have been decided to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance, but he can't be taken out of our schools if we send our children back clothed with the love of God displayed in their lives.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, inspirational speaker, life coach and nurse. Her e-mail address is Annetteebudzban@aol.com.