The Golden Rule isn't getting much mileage

In light of recent events surrounding the gas shortages across the state, I have discovered that the Golden Rule is a virtue not many people have acquired.

With that thought swimming in my head, I wondered about the children who are watching. I thought about my actions in front of my son. Am I showing my child the values I teach? Are any of us?

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:17 to "show proper respect to everyone." I think we often forget as parents that telling is not the way to teach our children to behave. Yes, it is important to express our expectations of behavior to our children. It is, however, more effective and important to show them.

It is easier to think of it this way. When our children are toddlers, we teach them how to do things by doing it correctly for them first so they can see it. Then we repeat the action over and over for them until they comprehend it and can perform correctly on their own.

So, why is it we think that as they age that this way of teaching them should change? It shouldn't.

We should teach our children to respect others in all areas of life. We should do this as parents because all human beings are made in the image of God.

We teach our children to love God; therefore, we should also teach them to love and respect those things that bear God's image.

While we are at it, we should remind ourselves of that fact. Then we can properly instruct our children to be an asset to humanity and not a liability.

Cheryl Poole is an Aiken County mother and teacher.