As women living in today’s culture, we need to reflect upon what kind of example we are setting for our daughters.

Are we doing things that are edifying… for our faith, for our families, for our communities, for ourselves? Are we wearing modest clothing? Are we listening to edifying music? Are we saying positive words?

Or are we being destructive? Destructive in our lack of faith commitments? Destructive in our appearances? Destructive in the words going into our heads and out of our mouths via songs or social media apps?

Are we allowing our children to self-destruct via blue screens and pornographic language in their reels? Do we slander, and is it in front of the next generation who copies us?

Elizabeth Elliot once said, “The way we live ought to manifest the truth of what we believe. A messy life speaks of a messy and incoherent faith.”

It’s time to take a hard look at ourselves in the mirror and see our daughters staring back at us. As a Christian, the Spirit should convict us, convict you, of your next step. If you’re not convicted, maybe it’s time that you need to start praying.

And if you are a mother of sons, your responsibility is just the same. He looks to you as an example of fortitude, grace, mercy, safety, and understanding. He looks to you for knowledge and long memories. Your son holds you up and sees you as a jewel in his crown.

May we live up to the Lord’s standards, not the world’s false conventions. When called by the Savior of your soul, live by His directives. And not only think on the following, but also live them:

Philippians 4:8 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

When we look back, we want to do so without regrets and not with a rushed need to catch up on lost opportunities. We want to establish rooted truths as examples now so that our arrows remain fiery for the Kingdom and now laid aside for worldly gain. Be excellent.