Slicing Apples
Every time I do this I think of my mother.
Reference: Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17NIV)
Explore: This morning I was cutting up some apples. Every time I do this I think of my mother.
I remember, as a child, sitting up at our kitchen bench, on our ugly retro orange vinyl padded stools, watching my mum slice apples. She would peel the apple, quarter it, take the core out of each quarter and then slice each piece as she cupped it in her hand.
The reason I think of my mum every time I slice an apple is not just because I watched her do this hundreds of times, but because I now slice apples in the exact same way!
Application: It’s funny that we all seem shocked when we turn into our parents, yet it would be a tough job not to. Their words and actions were constantly on display for us and it’s in our nature to pick up what we see.
That’s why the writer of the Philippians (as well as many other authors in the Bible) remind us of the company we keep. We will replicate other people’s behaviour, so it’s important for us to be discerning of those we spend time with.
It’s also a good reminder that people are watching our behaviour too. It is our responsibility to act as Christ would so that others are influenced positively by what they see in us.
Prayer: Lord, You set the ultimate example for all of humanity. Help us to do the same for those in our lives. Amen.
What behaviour would others learn from you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.