Patricia wrapped the baby up in blankets; and with her purse over one arm, her daytimer in her hand, she carried the baby to the car and put little Will into his car seat. Then she came back inside to get Anna and Patrick. Anna had her doll wrapped in blankets, her purse over her arm, and her little “daytimer” in her hand. She was ready to go because she had an example that showed her what “ready” looked like.
The old adage, “Actions speak louder than words,” is still true. This is why it is so important that we allow our children to see us honor God’s word, pray, worship, and fellowship. These things are “better caught than taught.”
Genesis 1: 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,” (according to God’s kind).
Originally, we were created to be Godkind. In Adam’s sin, we became mankind. We reproduce according to our kind. God designed it this way on purpose. We will reproduce in our children the kind of people that we are. Building the patterns and habits that bring spiritual growth in our own lives will sow seeds into our children that bear the same kind of fruit. Because of Christ, we can still reproduce “Godkind.”
I am sure that you have read the following poem, but I have included it anyway. It’s worth having and re-reading on occasion.
Little eyes are watching you
There are little eyes upon you
and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;
And a little boy who's dreaming
of the day he'll be like you.
You're the little fellow's idol,
you're the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;
He will say and do, in your way
when he's grown up just like you.
There's a wide eyed little fellow
who believes you're always right;
and his eyes are always opened,
and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example
every day in all you do;
For the little boy who's waiting
to grow up to be like you.
Gathered tips on setting an example: Betty Longino told me years ago not to place anything on top of the Bible. She said, “You show honor for God’s word by how you treat the Bible physically.” Keep the Bible on top.
When you prepare your tithe, include your child in the process. Take time to explain how you are honoring the Lord by giving 10% of your income. Include him often; let him be there when you give.
Melissa Collins of Mobile told me about how blessed she was to see her children turn to prayer whenever new situations arise for them or the family. I asked her how she taught them to do that. Her answer: "I guess that 's what they have seen us do."
Question for next week: What are ways that you involve your children in the believing community? Church? Activities? People in your home? Let us know. We’ll pass it on.
(To make a comment, simply click on “comments” below; to send this to a friend, click on the envelope.)
No comments:
Post a Comment