Friday, April 15, 2011

Monkey-See-Monkey-Do



PUBLISHED IN THE LINN COUNTY NEWS

                                                
According to the phrase-finder Monkey See-Monkey-Do, is a traditional phrase used for commenting on someone's (often a child's) tendency to imitate whatever he or she sees someone else doing. Wikipedia encyclopedia says: the old adage probably originates from the folklore of (Mah’lee) in West Africa?

It became a popular saying in America in the 1920’s and still is commonly used.

Answers.com says: it means “You see what you do! Parents & guardians, careful what you see and do for your little ones are imitating you. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6.”

Solomon knew the early childhood had be founded on that which is good.

The Parents & Guardians should not leave their child’s training & discipline totally up to the teachers. The bible says you are to train them up in the home by example in word and deed. Some Parents & guardians look to the school as a daycare and the teachers as babysitters. That shouldn’t be. Monkey See, Monkey do.

You see what you do, exhibiting unruly behavior while your boy or girl is standing beside you. Fathers, the Biblical traditional head of the family; have you brought your children the bible way? Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Traditionally fathers are specified (but it includes mothers growing up children without fathers) as being the fountains of domestic authority & discipline. Not beating or abusing your children; spanking them without anger and in love, the bible says will not endanger the child.  Pro 3:12: “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

Solomon instructs us “chastisement from above is always exercised by our heavenly Father in love. The theme of our discourse today is the old axiom “Monkey see Monkey do.” Parents & guardians you should be your child’s first role model let them see this in you, 1st Thessalonians 2:11 “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children” Monkey See Monkey Do. 

1Ti 5:14 “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”  What you should instill in your child is God’s goodwill. What kind of shoes do you wear when you walk & talk in the community with your child at your side? Monkey See-Monkey Do!
A walk and talk reflecting Christ while your child is imitating your every step.  What kind of brand of shoe do you place upon their little feet; the most popular shoe sold in the marketplace may lead them to walk down a very dangerous street.  Monkey See Monkey Do.

Parents & guardians, May the Lord above by his Spirit guide you and your little child to walk together side by side, as the songwriter penned “Hand in Hand with Jesus.    

2 comments:

  1. I love how you are adding pictures now Dad! Looks great :) Keep up the good work!!

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  2. I found this post interesting - I completely agree and am so glad that the one thing I knew for sure growing up was that God was to be first in our lives. I am so thankful that you and mom instilled that in us children and taught us to instill it in ours. What a great example you and mom have been, not just for us, but our children as well. Love you!

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