The Power of Example: A Tale of Two Paths

“Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6  

The Power of Example: A Tale of Two Paths

Calvin Hill graduated from Yale. He was selected in the first round of the 1969 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. In his first year in the NFL, he was Rookie of the Year and All-Pro. He was the Cowboys' first 1,000-yard rusher and helped them to their first Super Bowl win in 1972. Calvin’s son, Grant, was also an elite athlete. However, Grant chose a different sport to excel in: basketball. He was a two-time NCAA champion at Duke. Like his dad, he was a first-round pick in the 1994 NBA draft and was named Rookie of the Year. Calvin and his wife, Janet, raised Grant by instilling important values such as not fearing failure, emphasizing hard work, showing respect, and maintaining high morals. Calvin intentionally served as a strong role model, guiding Grant to find his own path without imposing pressure to follow in his specific athletic footsteps.

“Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight.” – Proverbs 4:1

Example Over Advice 

There are many other instances of successful men and women who followed the example of their dads: Ken Griffey and Ken Jr. (baseball), Archie Manning and his sons Peyton and Eli (football), Donald Sutherland and Kiefer (acting), Billy Graham and Franklin (evangelism), and Marie Curie and Irene (science and medicine). Scripture depicts how Joseph, even in the face of envy and betrayal from his brothers, remained steadfast in his adherence to his father Jacob’s values and teachings. Honestly, kids tend to follow our example over our advice. These dads deliberately exhibited work habits, values, and morals—and their children succeeded in emulating them.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4

Not Surprising

My dad played a big part in the man and father I became as well, but for an entirely different reason than the families listed above. You see, my dad never (or very rarely) had time to play, have fun, or do the things his kids wanted to do. There was very little warmth or affection shown. I don’t recall many “I love yous” given to anyone in our family, including my mom. My dad was a good provider, but the attributes of what made a quality life for a child or family were lacking. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t a follower of Jesus. Our family rarely went to church, and even then, it wasn’t to a Bible-preaching, New Testament church.

Our Priorities  

Because of my upbringing, I was determined that when I got married and had kids, I was going to make time to play and have fun with them—basically a 180-degree turn from the path shown to me. My wife and kids would hear that I loved them! When I was saved at the age of 20, I learned the importance of hearing the Word preached along with fellowship with believers; I knew then that my family would prioritize church together.

The Best Example

Raising our kids in a home that emphasizes a personal relationship with Christ tops the list of our responsibilities as fathers. Seeing how well we love their mom goes beyond words to implementing actions. It demands planning, sacrifice, and consideration of how we spend our time and money. To lead well is to follow Christ’s example of dedication to the eternal. He is the Father we always need to emulate.

Mark Stitch

MD5 Facilitator