We all either have children and grandchildren right? How certain are we that our children really know what FAITH is? And the power of faith? Who and what God really is?
Many parents impart faith through Bible stories, but if children do not truly understand the meaning of the facts, the seed will not take root. Hearing is not enough, reading is not enough, dropping them at Sunday school is not enough, memorizing is not enough (unless you want a Bible "Jeopardy" champion.)
Many parents impart faith through Bible stories, but if children do not truly understand the meaning of the facts, the seed will not take root. Hearing is not enough, reading is not enough, dropping them at Sunday school is not enough, memorizing is not enough (unless you want a Bible "Jeopardy" champion.)
Many well-intentional parents attempt to grow their children's' faith through the enticement of rewards and bribes. "Learn this verse and I'll give you R20" "Go to Sunday school and we go to McDonalds." It may seem harmless, but bribing children actually sets up a distraction. The "do this and get that" approach causes children to focus more on the "that" than the "this". Jesus never said, "If you do unto others what you want them to do to you, you get a chocolate."
It is so necessary to be an example of faith to our children as they learn and remember from experience and our actions. Not just a once off action, but a lifetime of actions. Not easy I know. 1 John 2:6 "whoever says he abides in HIM, ought to walk in the same way in which He walked" Live as Jesus did! When Jesus wanted His disciples to learn about servant-hood, He got down on His knees and washed their feet. You can be sure those disciples never forgot that lesson! Jesus demonstrated to them and others how to pray for the sick, about GRACE and so much more just by living it out! And not just once but many times! Teach your children to give without expecting anything in return, to pray for those in need no matter what the circumstance, encourage kind words as mentioned in |
Ephesians 4:29.
Typically, when our children are enveloped in emotion-packed situations, they are the most ready to grow. When circumstances provoke feelings of fear, sadness, anger, exhilaration, awe or wonder, be prepared to help them see how God is working. When your child is scared may be the opportune time to teach about God's presence. Jesus took advantage of teachable moments of them, such as during the storm on the lake. We should teach our children through FAITH and action. 1 John 4:4 "He who is in you is greater that he who is in the world."
Typically, when our children are enveloped in emotion-packed situations, they are the most ready to grow. When circumstances provoke feelings of fear, sadness, anger, exhilaration, awe or wonder, be prepared to help them see how God is working. When your child is scared may be the opportune time to teach about God's presence. Jesus took advantage of teachable moments of them, such as during the storm on the lake. We should teach our children through FAITH and action. 1 John 4:4 "He who is in you is greater that he who is in the world."
We should make our children's learning process interesting and they will learn more. Some of you may wince at this but remember Jesus was not dull or boring in teaching people. In fact, consider His first miracle: turning water into wine for the wedding at Cana, praying for the sick and so much more. Jesus concludes one of His parables: "As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the Word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matthew 13:23) What crop are you planting with your children? I have learned this lesson in a huge way this week, and I |
will from now on take Tiana with me on every ministry opportunity possible - I truly believe she teaches me to teach her as she is so filled with God's spirit.
The last 7 days saw Tiana bed ridden with a virus that went straight to her lungs. At 2am on Tuesday, I had to bath her to clean her and attempt to bring a fever down of 38.9. After her bath I took her Jesus oil and decided to anoint her entire body from head to under her feet, proclaim healing and the blood of Jesus. Little did I know in doing so I was coaching her. The following morning Tiana would make a run for the toilet due to nausea and proclaim: "satan you have no right! I belong to Jesus!"
The question remains: What are we teaching our children by our actions?
Alta
The last 7 days saw Tiana bed ridden with a virus that went straight to her lungs. At 2am on Tuesday, I had to bath her to clean her and attempt to bring a fever down of 38.9. After her bath I took her Jesus oil and decided to anoint her entire body from head to under her feet, proclaim healing and the blood of Jesus. Little did I know in doing so I was coaching her. The following morning Tiana would make a run for the toilet due to nausea and proclaim: "satan you have no right! I belong to Jesus!"
The question remains: What are we teaching our children by our actions?
Alta