Family Value #3

Make it Personal
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts." Deuteronomy 6:6

Moses is saying that before we can ask who are children are becoming, we have to examine who are we personally becoming. To allow God's Word to be saturated into our lives. One of the mind shifts that I am starting to make personally, is to believe that one of the greatest things that can happen, is what happens in the heart of a parent. All parents will influence there children - whether for the good or the bad.

I have worked with children now for 6 years and the one thing that I love about them is their realness. They are so honest, and if I am having a bad day, or if I screw up in some way - they point it out. Humbling as it is, I love that about kids. I have found that when I express my heart to them, they respond to that and respect it.

For parents, I encourage you not to hide who you really are with your kids. Be honest with them so that they can see where God is working in your life. Allow them to see your relationship with God so that they know what it looks like. Be that positive influence on your kids and make it personal, allow your kids to see your faith in action by putting your personal and spiritual growth first. Allow your kids to see you pursuing a better relationship with God. Show your kids what it looks like to prioritize Jesus above anything else.

When you, as a parent, make it personal - it becomes personal for your kids. Some of my favorite stories that I hear from the kids in my ministry is when they talk about how their parents faced adversity and grew because of it. There is a story of redemption and restoration that God is writing for you - allow your kids to be a part of it.

When your kids see how God is restoring your life, they will see what God can do in them. That is a beautiful thing.