Not Just For The Kids

 

Sharing is a big deal at our house. So is using self-control. As parents, we are constantly reminding our kids of these things.  But, I’ve discovered that I need these lessons still too! All of us in our home are working on it-not just the 3 boys aged four and under.  My desire is for my children to learn true Christ-like character.  They learn from me first-I’m their text book. As a Christian mother, I am researching practical ways that I can be living out my love for God by obeying Him as a daughter to her Heavenly Father. God is clear in what He says. For example, Luke 6: says, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”  And in John 14:15 He says, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

Here are just a few verses where God tells us how to obey Him and in so doing demonstrate that we do indeed love and serve Him through bearing fruit:

Luke 6:30-31: Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Translation: Let people have what is yours and be okay if they don’t give it back to you.

Luke 6:35 a: But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Translation: Even when people treat you like dirt, don’t treat them that way back. Love them, actually! And give to them too!

Acts 2:41: Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Translation: If you are a believer, don’t delay-be baptized!

Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Translation: Don’t meditate on the best vacation spots, what you are going to wear tomorrow or what you wore the other day, instead think about how you can please God-offer to mentor a young person at your church who needs some guidance!

Hebrews 13:2: Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Translation: Give that young lady with her thumb out a ride. Offer to assist that older gentleman with the heavy load he is struggling with as he makes his way to the car. And then invite them over for brunch on Saturday.

Hebrews 13:4: Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.

Translation: Sex is for marriage. Sex is meant for your spouse only. Period.

Hebrews 13: 16: And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Translation: Someone you know lost their job? Shop tonight and put the groceries on their doorstep tomorrow. Yes, even if it is a sacrifice for you or it means you will miss out on soccer practice.

James 1:27: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Translation: Give up your wife/husband for the afternoon so he can go over to a widow friend’s house and make some much needed repairs to her home. Contribute financially to an orphanage, visit one and build a relationship, or maybe even adopt a precious little one into your family.

1 Peter 2:1: Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

Translation: Watch what you say. Reflect on your own sinful nature, repent, and pursue speech that is kind and builds others up! Tell your friend that she is a patient Mom or tell your husband that he is a great provider!

1 Peter 4:9: Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

Translation: Make a list of people you would like to invite over for a game night or a meal. Call them up and set a date! And, invite people who can’t return the favor-someone in need.

The best part is that God enables us to do these things through His strength.  I’m pretty convicted lately about how much I pursue in this life that is self-oriented. Is the majority of my time thinking about how I can accomplish the commands God gives me or is it spent thinking about, watching, or pursuing empty meaningless fluff? It may not even be bad fluff-but distracting enough to get me off course, and that’s what I’m afraid of. Our daily choices matter. What we don’t do is as telling as what we actually do. My boys are reading me loud and clear-and I’m committed to showing them who Christ is more often than just telling them.

What ways do you use to teach your children humility?

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