Breaking the Tumblers
Keeping the Sabbath holy is crucial in setting a good example for children and preventing them from breaking bad habits.
D.L. Moody emphasizes the powerful influence of parental behavior on children, illustrating this with a story about a child imitating their mother breaking a tumbler. He warns that children learn not only through direct teaching but also by observing their parents' actions, which can lead to negative behaviors such as breaking the Sabbath or lying. Moody calls for parents to model the values they wish to instill in their children, as imitation plays a significant role in their moral development.
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A lady once told me she was in her pantry on one occasion, and she was surprised by the ringing of a bell. As she whirled around to see what it was, she broke a tumbler. Her little child was standing there, and she thought her mother was doing a very correct thing, and the moment the lady left the pantry, the child commenced to break all the tumblers she could get hold of. You may laugh, but children are very good imitators. If you don't want them to break the Sabbath day, keep it holy yourself. It is very often by imitation that they utter their first oath; that they tell their first lie, and it grows upon them, and when they try to quit the habit, it has grown so strong upon them that they cannot do it.
Sermon Outline
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Imitation is a Powerful Force
- Children are quick to imitate their parents' actions
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Breaking the Sabbath
- Parents must keep the Sabbath holy to set a good example
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Habits Formed Through Imitation
- Children often learn to swear, lie, and break rules by imitating their parents
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Quitting Bad Habits
- Breaking free from bad habits can be difficult due to their strong hold
Key Quotes
“If you don't want them to break the Sabbath day, keep it holy yourself.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- As a parent, it's essential to keep the Sabbath holy to set a good example for your child.