Showing Them the Way
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4
As a mother, I am greatly concerned about my children’s spiritual well being. I pray daily that God would bring them to know Him and they would follow Him all the days of their lives. I’m learning that we can’t just tell our children how to live Godly lives, but we have to show them how. It would be like God telling us to forgive someone seventy times seven, yet not extending that forgiveness to us. That would make no sense to us. It’s not always easy to be that example, but it is necessary. They have to see kindness, forgiveness, graciousness, self-control, and the other attributes of God displayed in our lives.
Our children will model what they see at home and elsewhere. Hopefully, they are seeing Christ at home more than anywhere else. Remember that a physical example is always more lasting than one that’s just talked about. It’s so hard for me some days to remember this. I may loose my temper or speak harshly to my children. I feel so bad when this happens, but when we mess up God is there waiting for us to repent and help us. His grace is sufficient and it is there to carry us when we ask for help.
It can be so overwhelming at times. It can be so joyous at other times. God is there to meet us and help us teach our little and big ones though. It does no good if we just talk the talk. We have to walk the walk. When we read about being loving towards others, we have to be loving towards them. If we want them to really grasp being a follower of Christ, we have to lead well. We’re the watchmen, the overseer, the guardian of our children. May we teach them well in His ways.
They’re looking to us, Mamas. We’re the example they see most and they’re watching closely. I encourage you to seek Him with your whole heart, be quick to repent, and you can be sure He’ll guide you. He’ll help you be the example He desires for your children and those around you.
Lord, thank You for being gracious with us. Thank You for helping us get back up when we fail. Thank You for giving us an example through Jesus. Help us to seek Your face and ask for Your help to not only teach our children, but to guide them daily. May we be loving examples of Jesus to those in our home. We are nothing without You and can’t do this alone. We need You to teach us Your ways so we can teach our children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
It is not easy to raise children, but with His help we can walk with confidence, even in the not so easy times.
Thank you for the sobering reminder that parenting is a sacred trust!