“What stuff?” I asked her – the wrong question, I discovered, as she proceeded to nearly poke my eye out in her attempt to indicate said, “stuff.” It turned out that she was asking about my eyelashes. The wonder on her face when I explained them to her, and her subsequent enthusiasm when she discovered that she, too, had “ah-lashes,” got me to thinking about how truly impressionable children are and just how much of who they turn out to be is shaped by us – those whom God has placed in a
position of authority and leadership over them.
Now that’s nothing if not a big responsibility, considering that “just how much” is actually “everything.” How do we even begin to tackle the enormous task of instilling in a child all they will need to know to become wise teenagers, successful adults… future world leaders? Where do we
turn for advice on how to love them at their worst, how to guide them into their best? On our own it can seem impossible.
Fortunately, we have God’s word as a guide. Let’s break down some of the steps by which we can direct our children in God’s path.
1. LAY UP GOD’S WORD IN YOUR HEART.
Deuteronomy 11:18 says we should store up God’s word in our hearts and souls. Read the Bible, preferably together with your children, but also let them see you carve out time to do it for yourself. Children learn by imitation, and when they see you make it a priority, they will learn to put God first in their own lives. As an added benefit, the more you read, the more of His precious words you will have stored in your heart for those dry patches when it seems like you’re running on empty.DEUTERONOMY 11:18 SAYS WE SHOULD STORE UP GOD’S WORD IN OUR HEARTS AND SOULS. READ THE BIBLE, PREFERABLY TOGETHER WITH YOUR CHILDREN, BUT ALSO LET THEM SEE YOU CARVE OUT TIME TO DO IT FOR YOURSELF.
2. FORGIVE YOUR CHILDREN, AND OTHERS.
Remember that old adage “don’t let the sun go down on your wrath?” That’s Biblical. Ephesians 4:26, 32 implores us to be angry, but sin not. There will be days (as I’m sure you know) when your children will test your limits to the utmost. On these days – and on others – it can be hard togive anyone who steps in our way the benefit of the doubt. Nonetheless, Ephesians reminds us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving, even as God chose to forgive us. So when the customer who bumped into you in aisle three cuts in front of you at the checkout counter, call on Christ and refrain from cussing them out. Instead, pray for them, and explain to your children why you are doing this. By doing so, we teach them to forgive others and become the light that the world needs to see.
3. HONOR ONE ANOTHER ABOVE YOURSELVES.
If Jesus, the King of Kings, could humble himself to the point of washing his followers’ feet, what sort of example do we set when we say “I’m above that,” or “You couldn’t pay me enough?” We live in an increasingly self-centered society, and from the time a child is born, their world revolvesaround them by default. It is up to us to teach them to value others, and not just as equals with themselves, but also as precious jewels in the sight of God. We can do this by sharing with others what God has blessed us with, and practicing hospitality towards those who cannot necessarily bless us in return. It is in this way that we can truly show Christ in our actions and – you guessed it – our children will practice what they see in us (Romans 12:9,13).
Finally, remember that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Where we fail (and we inevitably will) He is enough. It is He who strengthens us, and gives us the power to accomplish those things we never dared imagine. Can we trust Him to help us raise tomorrow’s leaders, however difficult it may be, today?
This was originally published in the fifth printed issue of Agape News in July 2015.
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