In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Titus 2:7 (NIV)

All 64 kids on my school bus stood up at once, eagerly leaning over seats, bookbags, and each other, straining their necks to get a glimpse out the window.

&8220;Briana’s dad brought her to the bus stop on a Harley!&8221;

Eight-year-old Brianna bounded up the steps of the bus, her face aglow, fully aware that she was the center of everyone’s attention. I closed the door, released the brake and guided the bus around two sharp curves and over a narrow bridge with Brianna’s dad in tow. Just before I made the southbound turn, there was a roar from behind the bus and there went the Harley, one wheel in the air, flying through a stop sign, then turning on a dime, it’s rider waving as the bus eased by.

&8220;It’s no wonder kids turn out the way they do!&8221; That old cliche is a bit silly isn’t it? Every parent realizes that their children have been granted free will by the Lord and that they often choose, of their own volition, to (as my mom used to say) &8220;act like a heathen.&8221; But what impact do we as adults have on that decision-making process?

Be careful that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Zooming down the highway, busting stop signs with our hair on fire, probably perpetuates an exhilarating sense of freedom, but are these kinds of behaviors setting the best example for our children? You know, I don’t have an answer for that. I will say this, however, let’s not be surprised when the apple falls right under the tree.

&8220;Come now, let us reason together,&8221; says the Lord. Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

Steve Thomas serves as pastor at Wilsonville Baptist Church. He can be reached by e-mail at mailto:sthomaswbc@bellsouth.net