His [man who fears the Lord] children will be mighty in the land; each generation of the upright will be blessed. Psalm 112:2
This is a continuation of the previous verse. Each verse following will note that when a man fears the Lord, this will happen.
Many years ago, there was a commercial on television that ended with a father walking through the forest with his young son. The two sit down and rest against a tree. The father takes out a cigarette, lights it, and puts the pack on the ground. The young boy picks up the cigarette pack and looks intently into the pack. “Like Father, Like son, Think about it” were the only words the announcer said. It is has been said that religion is caught not taught. I think it’s true. The kids see the parents as they truly are, and not as the public sees them.
Do your kids see and hear you being nice to your spouse? Do they hear you bad mouthing your spouse or the pastor or co-workers? What do they see when you’re angry at another driver? Do you find fault with everything the children do and very little praise, or worse, no praise at all?
To be sure, the little ears and eyes are watching. They have the potential to be “mighty in the land,” but they might also be bitter by what they’ve seen and heard in their homes. Many reading this are doing the right things and should be encouraged to keep doing those things. It’s tough raising children. Kids aren’t expecting their parents to be perfect by any means, but they do understand love and affection and godliness and respect. They’ll take those qualities sprinkled with a few faults any day of the week.