My son graduated from university a couple of months ago, and after the ceremony I watched as the graduates ran around congratulating each other and wishing each other well for the future. I could hear students calling out to my son and I found myself turning to see each exchange. One young man came running up to my son, excitedly saying, “I just saw a man who must be your dad because you look just like him!” As I observed the interaction, I considered how much my son does indeed resemble his father, not just physically, but in his habits and personality. In fact, I frequently find myself telling my husband, “he is so much like you!” Sometimes it is a compliment, other times a complaint!

Children do resemble their parents, that is a fact. Even though I have not lived with my parents for many years, I often find myself doing or saying things just like my mom. We carry our parents traits with us throughout our lives because we have their genetics and those traits define who we are.

If you are a child of God, you will resemble your Heavenly Father as well! If you have spent time in the Word of God, your attitude will reflect the Lord. Others will know that you have been in His presence because your actions will be Christ-like. People will know who your Father is because you look like Him! For fathers (and mothers) who still have young ones at home, what a great opportunity to reflect Jesus in your day to day so that the habits our children copy from us are Godly traits. May our actions be those that lead our children to salvation and lead people to say how much we look like our Heavenly Father!

Suggested Prayer: Abba Father, Help me to imitate You and help me to be a reflection of Your image today. Give me the courage to live for you so that my children will seek to live for you too.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    Ephesians 5:1 (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.