Setting a Godly Example for Children

Since becoming a mother for the third time it really has changed my perspective on how I parent.

A few days ago it really hit me. I am COMPLETELY responsible for the type of adults my children will become. I am helping form their daily habits, good and bad. I set the standards and examples for what is ok and what is not ok for them.

So, what are my actions teaching them? We all know actions are louder than words.

I want my children to burn for God. Pray even when times aren't going so good and not just when things are going great.

I want them to know that God is ALWAYS there for them and will always provide. Just like when we go to sit on a chair, we never doubt that the chair isn't going break.We are taught that the chair will always hold us. We never question it. I want that to be the way that my kids think of God. That they will NEVER doubt Him. That He will always hold us up even when we want to sit down and quit.

When I think about my actions, it makes me think of how much am I really praying with them and in front of them? What am I speaking to them? What am I speaking over them and how much do I pray for them?

Our words can be so powerful. Speak positively to them and correct them in a loving way. Lift them up, give them compliments and build their self esteem.

Let's look at some scripture about training our children in God's word and ways.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

 

Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

 

Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

 

Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

I encourage you to really take a look at the examples you are setting for your kids. I know there a quite a few changes I want to make. I will be trying harder to pray with them more. It is so easy to become busy with life and mommy duties. By the time we get home, make dinner and get the kids ready for bed we can be exhausted! Let us be reminded that it is SO worth it to take a few extra minutes out of your day, sit down with them and pray with them.

Remember we are the ones setting Godly examples for them and God has chosen us as their parents to do so.

A Special Day

Mark 10:16

Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to dedicate our son Weston (8 mos old) to the Lord at a special Saturday brunch that our church held.  It was such a special day for our family and I want to share it with you! 

A parent-child dedication is a special time where the parents stand together with their pastor, family and friends to publicly commit to pray for their child, love their child and raise their children to know the Lord. This is something that took place in the Bible - Jesus himself was dedicated!

In Luke chapter 2, Jesus was dedicated to the Lord at just 8 days old...

Luke 2:21-22 Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 

In 1 Samuel, Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord...

1 Samuel 1:27 I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to theLord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there.

When our son Wyatt was two we had him dedicated as well.  What a precious time both dedications were to us as parents and to our families!  I am so thankful that our families have committed to standing beside us as we raise our children in a Godly home.  We understand that we can't force our childrens' faith or salvation.  God gave each of us a choice who we will follow in our lives and that is our childrens' right as well.  But you'd better believe that I will teach my children about His love, His forgiveness and His sacrifice to us.  I will do my best to live my life as an example of my faith to them and lay a foundation for them that they can build on when they are old enough to make their own choices.

Check out the 10 Commandments to Parents below, I thought it was neat!

My sweet boy (sorry about the closed eyes!)