I have a video of my grandchildren when they were quite small, all dressed up as rock stars, playing a variety of toy instruments. With the mandatory shades – so cute! Children automatically copy what they see. That’s why it’s so important they get the right role models.
Psalm 72 is thought to be David’s final blessing on his son, Solomon, who would succeed him as king. David had come to know God, through a lifetime of spending time in his presence. The things he prayed over Solomon, were the things he knew were in God’s nature – he was asking that this younger man might see God as his role model, and emulate his ways.
And isn’t that something we should all be doing – getting to know God and copying him? Those who have little people in their lives have an extra responsibility in this area. For who would have been Solomon’s first role model, if not his own father David? If our lives are not modelled on our Father God, what example are we setting to those who watch us? To be sure, they will copy what they see, say and experience. Matthew Henry commented on this Psalm – ‘The best we can ask of God for our children is, that God would give them wisdom and grace to know and to do their duty.’ how will they know ‘their duty’ if they have not seen it in us?
Young or old, with youngsters around or not, ask yourself – Who is my role-model? Because the one you are following determines your destination. 
widemargin 