Lead Like Christ—Even When It’s Hard”

You ever catch yourself telling your kids, “Do as I say, not as I do”? Yeah… been there. But here’s the thing—when it comes to following Jesus, that mindset just doesn’t cut it. We’re called to be the example, not just talk about it.

In my home, I’m reminded every day that I don’t just represent myself—I represent Christ. And not just on Sundays or when things are peaceful and easy, but in the messy, emotional, and real-life moments of motherhood and marriage. That means I have to be the first to forgive, the first to say “I’m sorry,” and the first to take ownership when my tone is sharp or my response didn’t reflect love.

That’s leadership. That’s discipleship. And that’s what it means to raise up children who truly know what it looks like to follow Jesus, not just what it sounds like.

Jesus Led with His Life—Not Just His Words

Throughout the Bible, we see Jesus constantly living out the very truths He taught. When He told us to serve one another, He didn’t just preach it—He got on His knees and washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). When He spoke of forgiveness, He demonstrated it from the cross, saying “Father, forgive them,” even as He was being crucified (Luke 23:34).

That’s our example. And if we’re honest, it’s not easy. It takes humility. It takes dying to self. It takes patience and persistence and so much prayer. But if we want to call ourselves Christ-followers, then we have to actually follow Him—His ways, His responses, and His heart.

It Starts at Home

God gave me my home as my first ministry. Before the blogs, the books, or the speaking engagements—it’s this house, this family, this kitchen table where real leadership starts.

So when I snap because I’m overwhelmed, I circle back. I own it. I sit down, look my kids in the eyes, and say, “Mommy was wrong for how she responded. I’m sorry.” That matters more than any Bible lesson I could teach them. Because that is a Bible lesson—grace in action. Repentance in motion.

When my husband and I disagree and the kids see tension, they also see reconciliation. They see us talk it through, apologize, forgive, and hug it out. That’s showing them what real love and Christlike character look like.

I’m not aiming for perfection—I’m aiming for consistency. Because consistency builds credibility. And our kids don’t just listen to what we say—they follow what we do.

Raising Mini Christs

The word Christian means “little Christ.” That’s what we’re raising in our homes—little followers of Jesus who will one day carry His light into schools, jobs, marriages, and ministries. But they won’t carry it if we don’t first model it.

How can we say we are followers of Christ but not follow Him in our daily life? How can we say we believe in forgiveness and yet hold grudges? How can we talk about grace, but never show it?

The call is higher. And it’s personal. We don’t get to check out when life gets hard. That’s when we dig in and show our kids—and the world—what it means to be rooted in Christ and walk in His Spirit.

Let’s Get Real

I’ll be the first to tell you—I don’t always get it right. But I try. I get back up. I ask God to help me lead like Jesus, even when it’s uncomfortable. I want my children to grow up remembering that their mother lived what she preached.

I want them to say, “I know what patience looks like because I saw it in my mom. I know what humility looks like because she wasn’t afraid to admit when she was wrong. I know what grace feels like because she extended it freely. And I know who Jesus is because she showed Him to me every day.”

Two Questions to Reflect On:

1. Are you modeling Christ in the quiet moments at home—not just the public ones?

2. What legacy of faith are you leaving behind through your daily responses and actions?

The way we live matters. It speaks louder than any sermon or social media post. So today, let’s recommit to leading by example—not perfectly, but intentionally. Let’s raise up children who don’t just hear about Jesus, but see Him through us.

Because the world doesn’t need more talk about Jesus—it needs more people who live like Him.

From a daughter’s broken heart,

Shae’ 💔

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