September 17
As a new parent, I've been trying all of the Bible books I can get my hands on in hopes of influencing my kid's faith. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that my son is going to learn about Jesus far more from our actions and character than anything I could tell him to believe.
Three Thoughts
We are told to have the commands of God first on our hearts and then teach them to our kids. The order is important, because you can't pass on what you don't hold yourself. And the real teaching is while they're walking and sitting and lying down and experiencing day to day life alongside you.
DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7
"Train up a child in the way they should go" is a long term process, it doesn't happen overnight. The goal is to plant something within them at an early age so that it continues growing once they're on their own. Some of the most important work you can do today, you won't see the results of for decades.
PROVERBS 22:6
When the Bible says that we shouldn't provoke our kids to anger, it reminds me that my kids need my patience too. They need our instruction and correction, but only in the way that God corrects us, clearly and always in the direction of love.
EPHESIANS 6:4
Two Quotes
Author and podcast host Sally Clarkson on daily moments:
"Souls are shaped in the common moments of life, the daily stuff of memories."
Author Gloria Furman on loving others:
"Loving like Jesus loved is a dying to self a thousand deaths a day."
Prayer
Dear God, I want my kids to know you deeper than even I do, but some days I barely have energy to get dinner on the table. Remind me that You're working through the ordinary moments of life even when I don't realize it. Develop my character. Give me patience when I don't have anymore. And write your words on my heart above all else. In Jesus' name, amen.
Question
What is one small, repeatable moment in your day (the car, bedtime, breakfast) where you could let your kids see your faith this week?
P.S. Isn't it funny how birthdays change as you get older and have kids? It was my birthday on Tuesday and my family went to Disney for a few hours in-between naps and then went out to our favorite Filipino restaurant for dinner called Kaya. It was a really special time!