Tag Archives: role models

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Posted on February 27, 2017 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3UF8VbNzMQ

When I was in high school, our principal organized a special assembly for a famous professional athlete.  The purpose of this event was to educate students on the dangers of driving while intoxicated.  One week following the speech, this individual was pulled over and arrested for drunk driving.  Unfortunately, there is always someone who thinks they are above the law, living out the motto, “do as I say, not as I do.”

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye, Matthew 7:5.

Double standards like this outrages the average citizen.  You can’t pretend to be a role model when the lights are on and apply a different set of standards when your off camera.  There are other occupations whom embrace the do as I say, not as I do mindset.  Politicians do this by creating regulations with certain loopholes excluding them or special interest groups from the same standard.  Over time these motives will be exposed, but when will this mentality end.

Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? – Romans 2:3

The apostle Paul reminds the world that no one will escape the judgment of God.  Sure, justice may take longer than you expect or want, but the Lord will repay individuals based upon that which they deserve.  It would be nice to be exempt from stopping at red lights or going the speed limit, but you could hurt others by breaking the law.  Therefore, do not give into the temptation to abide by the do I say, not as I do motto.  Rather, fulfill the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 so that you will win the respect of outsiders.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Taking A Back Seat To Your Children

Posted on June 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noWdKwHCJA0

In my younger days, naive and immature, I cared more about my men’s softball team than my oldest son’s T-Ball game.  Thus, as other men were coaching and influencing my son James, I got lost in trying to relive and hold on to my youth.  Learning the hard way, I realized Father Time couldn’t be beaten before I took a back seat where my children could be in the forefront.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3.

Unfortunately, too many young men never see the light, blinded by selfish ambition.  Fueled by pride, egos cause adults to remain the center of attention, long after their own high school graduation.  While hanging out in bars reminiscing about the Glory Days, far too many children are growing up without a role model to emulate.  Subsequently, teenagers often look toward pop culture to find meaning in life, only to be disappointed in the long run.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:10.

After hearing the phrase “its better to give than receive” countless times throughout life, I finally tasted a piece of this fruit over the weekend.  As a proud parent on Sunday, watching my children all place in the top 3 of their age group, with James earning first, 11th overall, in the 2015 Blue Hen 5K, I realized all those times I went jogging with my kids finally paid off.  Although I was the only one in the family who didn’t medal, it didn’t matter.  I found joy in taking a back seat to my children, observing each one begin to find their niche, place and calling in life.  If you haven’t taken your seat, find one soon.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Setting the Pace so that Others May Finish

Posted on June 8, 2015 by expressyourself4him

On Sunday, I participated in my first alumni weekend at the University of Delaware.  In reality, I just ran in the Blue Hen 5K with my 3 children, the first with my daughter Lydia.  Out of shape, I vowed to stay with my daughter, setting a good pace to help her post her best time.  When Lydia stopped several times with a cramp, I encouraged her to keep going.

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up, Ecclesiastes 4:10.

The same could be said about life.  Trying to do things on your own or alone is difficult.  If you reach your breaking point, who will come along to spur you on?  As Benny Hester once sang about, “You weren’t meant to live your life alone.”  In view of this, people need to seek out mentors, role models and wise counsel to find their way in life.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1.

If I wasn’t running today, I’m sure my daughter would have finished eventually, but my prompting resulted in her PR, personal record.  As a father, I need to do the same in my spiritual life, setting the pace for all my children to follow.  While spiritual aspirations may vary, godly parents should set the pace so that others may cross the finished line in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

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The Anguish of Disobedience

Posted on May 5, 2014 by expressyourself4him

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was to consul a shaken mother the day after her son died in a car accident.  According to friends in attendance at a party, he only had one beer before leaving.  Impaired slightly, this young man couldn’t negotiate the bend on a countryside road, striking a tree head on, dead on arrival to the nearest hospital.  My sense is this woman wanted me to assure her that her son was doing well in heaven.  Since this boy was missing in action from youth group without any apparent faith, the anguish of her son’s disobedience on earth stirred in her soul.

According to Leviticus 10:1-3, Aaron endured similar trauma, sitting in stunned silence after his 2 oldest sons died suddenly.  Not the greatest role model, Aaron’s greatest claim to fame or should I say shame was creating a golden calf, Exodus 32:2-4.  Perhaps their father’s hypocrisy encouraged Nadab and Abihu to turn a deaf ear to his instructions.  Instead of carefully obeying the words God relayed to Moses, Aaron’s 2 sons began to experiment like 2 curious boys in a chemistry lab.  Subsequently, the pain of disobedience cost Nadab and Abihu their life.

Whether its a suicide note left behind for a family, the dairies of a troubled school shooter or victims of drunk driving, the anguish of disobedience is on display daily.  The free will of one individual’s action has been felt by several members of society.  People are left to wonder what might have been if one out of control human being didn’t cut short the life of their loved one.  May the words of Psalm 34:18 provide some comfort this day for anyone still coping with the anguish of disobedience.

by Jay Mankus

 

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