If I told you I studied science so I could become like Spider Man, would you believe? Well, I was about 12 years old and a die-hard fan of the web slinger. I was simply fascinated by his amazing ability to crawl over walls, jump long distances and most especially, the “spider sense.” I thought if I studied science, I could get the chance to replicate the experiment that gave him his powers. I bet you are laughing now. I was simply that naive at that time.
The funny thing is that every one of us are influenced in one way or the other, and we also exert an influence in the same manner. This effect is particularly important when we are growing up and the outcome actually plays a significant role in our overall success in life. This is why it is important for parents to monitor the kind of influence exerted over their children. Fortunately for the older generation, they grew up when extended family ties were strong and the child was the child of the community, and the media was a little bit sane. But these days, nobody cares about another’s child; it is just the nuclear unit. Much worse are the personas occupying public positions and promoted by the media, persons whose actions and lifestyles are a personification of godlessness, immorality and corruption; shameless and celebrating shame. A few months back, everyone lamented the result of SSCE result nationwide. But honestly, could it have been any better, considering, the role models the students have as teachers and school officials? I really don’t think so.
A truthful question to ask yourself is this, “what role are you modelling?” If your children followed in your steps, would they live and succeed in life? Imagine a world where everyone was just like you, behaved just like you, acted just like you. What will that world be like? A self-sustaining society or a self-destructive one? Listen to this admonishment.
…cut through and make firm and plain and smooth, straight paths for your feet [yes, make them safe and upright and happy paths that go in the right direction], so that the lame and halting [limbs] may not be put out of joint, but rather may be cured – Heb 12:13.
Now hear the consequences of a life style that sets wrong examples.
….whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea – Matt 18:6
AND [Jesus] said to His disciples, Temptations (snares, traps set to entice to sin) are sure to come, but woe to him by or through whom they come! It would be more profitable for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were hurled into the sea than that he should cause to sin or be a snare to one of these little ones [lowly in rank or influence] – Luke 17:1-2
Serious consequences, right? Yes, this is how important the issue is. So when next you are about to take any decision, think of the kind of role you will be modelling – a winner or a loser, light or darkness, for God or for the devil?
Now was I able to recreate a real Spider Man? I will continue the story of my pursuit in the next post. Have a pleasant week!
Peace is with you!
