Contagious Values

I heard a phrase the other day that I've been turning over in my mind.

"Values are more often caught than taught."

The more I think on it, the more the truth of it comes out to me. The context was in the raising of children. Children are more likely to adopt the values they see their parents living out, more so than simply the ones their parents tell them are good. And isn't that burden heavy. If we are following the Lord, then our children are more likely to do so as well. However, if we are living selfishly or proudly, our children will pick that up as well. I am so glad to have the power of the Holy Spirit to help me walk after Christ. I like country music and there's a Rodney Atkins song called "Watching You" that greatly illustrates this point.

Driving through town, just my boy and me
With a happy meal in his booster seat
Knowing that he couldn't have the toy 'til his nuggets were gone

A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my breaks and mumbled under my breath
His fries went a flyin' and his orange drink covered his lap

Then my four year old said a four letter word
It started with "S" and I was concerned
So I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to talk like that"

(chorus one)
He said, "I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah we're just alike, hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you"

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said, "Lord please help me help my stupid self"
This side of bedtime later that night
Turning on my son's Scooby Doo night light
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
And spoke to God like he was talkin' to a friend
And I said, "Son, now where'd you learn to pray like that"

(chorus two)
He said I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
We like fixin' things and holdin' mama's hand
Yeah we're just alike hey ain't we dad
I wanna do everything you do
So I've been watching you

(bridge)
With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug
Said my little bear is growing up
He said, "But when I'm big, I'll still know what to do

(chorus three)
Cause I've been watching you dad, ain't that cool
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are
By then I'll be strong as Superman
We'll be just alike, he won't we dad
When I can do everything you do
Cause I've been watching you



Our values, the ones we really live out, are contagious. Are yours worth catching? Are mine?