Proverbs 22:6
Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to be a mom. As I got older, I had a deep desire that I knew God had put on my heart to bear children. Our journey wasn’t easy, but I sit here writing this after putting my beautiful 8 month old son to bed.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
This verse is clear that from the moment a child is conceived, they should be brought up with Jesus. Not just hearing about Him; but seeing Him in our actions, serving Him as a family, growing in His Word, and loving Him. We prayed relentlessly over our baby boy from the minute we found out about him! Now, we read Him his Bible every night. We tell him how much Jesus loves him and that He died on the cross to save him. Although those things are great, they’re not everything.
Even though my son is only 8 months old and probably doesn’t understand, when I get overwhelmed or frustrated, I have a conviction to pray about it and even ask both him and Jesus for forgiveness. As weird as that sounds, I want to model repentance and forgiveness to him for his entire life. The goal is to be a reflection of Jesus.
See, we have the greatest opportunity with our children. It takes more than just reading our Bibles and praying as a family. It takes commitment to fellowship, worshipping, serving, repenting, being humble, continual teaching and directing, discipline, and genuine love for Jesus.
Our kids are watching our every move. We will never be perfect. But I try to remind myself, sometimes hourly, that the way that I respond to someone is all meant to be a reflection of Jesus. Whether it’s someone driving poorly on the road or the impatience I have at the grocery store. Choosing a hobby over reading my Bible, or the way I respond to my husband when I’m upset, are all meant to be a reflection of Jesus.
We are the biggest influence in our kids’ lives. No matter how many hours they spend at school, sports, or even church, we have the most time and influence with them. Don’t take that for granted. The goal is that if we raise them up to see, hear, and know Jesus, that they will grow up and not depart from it. Remember, your kids are going to make mistakes! Show them grace and love them unconditionally; as Christ has done with us.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
This verse is clear that from the moment a child is conceived, they should be brought up with Jesus. Not just hearing about Him; but seeing Him in our actions, serving Him as a family, growing in His Word, and loving Him. We prayed relentlessly over our baby boy from the minute we found out about him! Now, we read Him his Bible every night. We tell him how much Jesus loves him and that He died on the cross to save him. Although those things are great, they’re not everything.
Even though my son is only 8 months old and probably doesn’t understand, when I get overwhelmed or frustrated, I have a conviction to pray about it and even ask both him and Jesus for forgiveness. As weird as that sounds, I want to model repentance and forgiveness to him for his entire life. The goal is to be a reflection of Jesus.
See, we have the greatest opportunity with our children. It takes more than just reading our Bibles and praying as a family. It takes commitment to fellowship, worshipping, serving, repenting, being humble, continual teaching and directing, discipline, and genuine love for Jesus.
Our kids are watching our every move. We will never be perfect. But I try to remind myself, sometimes hourly, that the way that I respond to someone is all meant to be a reflection of Jesus. Whether it’s someone driving poorly on the road or the impatience I have at the grocery store. Choosing a hobby over reading my Bible, or the way I respond to my husband when I’m upset, are all meant to be a reflection of Jesus.
We are the biggest influence in our kids’ lives. No matter how many hours they spend at school, sports, or even church, we have the most time and influence with them. Don’t take that for granted. The goal is that if we raise them up to see, hear, and know Jesus, that they will grow up and not depart from it. Remember, your kids are going to make mistakes! Show them grace and love them unconditionally; as Christ has done with us.
Posted in Devotional