Let Your Kids See You
Sometimes my husband or I will quickly say, “That is YOUR child!” when one of our children has done or said something embarrassing. What about the good traits they show? What are they picking up because you share your life openly with them? Hopefully your relationship with Jesus (the good, bad, and the imperfect) is among the top!
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
When I complimented my nine year old on her handwriting one day, she explained to me, “I’ve always looked closely at the way you write and just copied it…that’s why it’s so good.” Wow. That struck a little deeper than just pen on paper. Our children look closely at what we hold as priority, what we do and what we say…and they copy us. Her comment caused me to think about what else I do that she “studies”. Does she look closely at my walk with the Lord? If so, what does she see? We desire greatly for our children to walk closely with Him…and like most things, they will get their first glimpse and learn from our example. Consider these things as we are transparent with our children in our walk with the Lord.
- Let them see. Let your children see you spending time in His Word, invite them into conversations about what the Lord is teaching you, pray with them about little and big things, serve others together and share God with others within earshot.
- Apply it out loud. As the Lord leads your paths and decisions, share them with your children. Whether it is why a financial decision is made or why you choose to follow the Lord’s commands in the way you act and treat others…make the connection for your child that His Word directs your actions.
- Be real. Our walk with the Lord is sometimes a lovely stroll and sometimes an uphill climb. Let your children see in every step of the journey…you still trust Him…even when it is hard.
The joy and fulfillment we gain when walking closely with the Lord is what we desire our children to have in their own lives. It is an honor, privilege and important role we have to show an authentic and transparent walk with the Lord to our children.
Camper Corner
Ask your mom or dad these questions…
- Why do you like to spend time with God?
- How and when do you spend time with God?
- Tell me about a time when you knew God was walking with you.
