Bulletin

Each Individual Carries Around a Mental Picture of Himself

W. A. Martin

Each individual carries around a mental picture of himself. This picture was formed and gradually shaped during his formative years from experience with his parents. An individual's mental picture is referred to as their self-concept. How one perceives himself as really being—his self- image; how he evaluates himself—his self-worth; and how he views the self as wanting to be— self ideal.

It is from parents that children get their first ideas of how to behave from what they see, what they experience, and what they are told. "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deut. 6:6-9)

Positive or negative messages make the child feel either wanted or unwanted, loved or unloved, capable or incapable, and worthy or unworthy. Depending upon the messages sent, the children develop a positive or negative self-concept. "Set your hearts unto all the word which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do." (Deut. 32:46) What we really believe determines how we do our homework. Christ did not just talk leadership, He lived it. He is our example in all things. We need to behave like we sing, our children are watching us. We need to walk like we talk, our children are following us. The role of the parents is to become what they say they believe.

Today, so many times the correct answer should be "follow me as I follow the Lord." In so many ways in the Bible God is saying to our family, "use all the truth while you have the opportunity. Let your children know God has a plan for them early in life, and work to help them work that plan." If children grow up indifferent about God, someone must answer to Him one day. Parent's example will live long after they are dead. Yet, parents teaching will be no better than they are.

"I Attend Bible Classes Because..."
Eldred Stevens (deceased)

1. It is a delightful way to obey a scriptural command (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Tim. 4:13; John 5:39).
2. I have a great desire to emulate fIrst century Christianity (Acts 2:41-47; 4:23,24; 12:12; 17:11)
3. I have three children (Pro. 22:6; Deut. 4:9; 6:7; Eph. 6:4).
4. I like to be with my brethren (Rom. 12:10; I John 4:7,8; 3:14).
5. I want to do good, to abound in good works (James 4:17; Ecel. 9:10; Rev. 20:12,13; 14:13; 2:2.9.13.19; James 2:16).
6. I want to be consistent (Titus 1:6).
7. I must protect and maintain a good influence (Matt. 5:13-16).
8. It helps to keep my spiritual temperature high (Rev. 3:16).
9. I love our home congregation (2 Cor. 11:2; I Thes. 1:2-8).
10. I respect the eldership (Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:2).
11. I want to keep my scale of values properly adjusted (Matt. 6:3 3).
12. I love the truth (2 Thess. 2:10-12; Matt. 5:6).
13. I love the Lord, and I have a reverence for God (John 14: 15).
14. I want to be a good example (I Tim. 4:12).
15. I shall be judged by the Bible (Rev. 20:12).