More Habits Caught Than Taught
While our children were growing up my husband and I committed to display Christ in our home and our marriage relationship. Were we perfect? No! Only the Trinity is perfect - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We strove to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and we asked for guidance daily on how to raise our family. We never wanted our children to stumble because of poor parenting. Then a few years ago one of our sons told me he learned how to speak in his heavenly language by listening to me praying while cleaning the kitchen late at night. I had no idea he was listening.
Many years ago, my husband instituted a saying for our family and church, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV) Our sons were following our example without our knowing it. “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that” (Eph. 5:1-2 Message Bible).
As parents, our moods fill the atmosphere of our home, and our kids will model those attitudes they have seen. If they see complaining they will learn to complain and whine; if they hear nothing but negativity they will dwell on the negative. Even though we were heavy into ministry our kids knew we loved them and we displayed that love and security regardless of what was happening outside of our home. “Buy truth — don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight. Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents” (Prov 23:23-24 Message Bible).
Are you an example of Christ in your family and church?
Many years ago, my husband instituted a saying for our family and church, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV) Our sons were following our example without our knowing it. “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that” (Eph. 5:1-2 Message Bible).
As parents, our moods fill the atmosphere of our home, and our kids will model those attitudes they have seen. If they see complaining they will learn to complain and whine; if they hear nothing but negativity they will dwell on the negative. Even though we were heavy into ministry our kids knew we loved them and we displayed that love and security regardless of what was happening outside of our home. “Buy truth — don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight. Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents” (Prov 23:23-24 Message Bible).
Are you an example of Christ in your family and church?