As parents, we are called to pass our faith along to our children.
“they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors— stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.” Psalm 78: 6-8
Doing so brings great joy to us and to God.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4
As a new parent, I reflected on these verses with an understanding of the responsibility placed on me, so I started asking how.
How was I supposed to lead my daughter to Jesus?
Mulling over this question, along with everything else it meant to be a parent, it hit me; the first step in pointing my daughter to Jesus was ensuring my life was pointed at him.
Pointing Your Children to Jesus
Children are imitators; designed to learn by watching us and copying what we do. If we want our children to know and love God, we must demonstrate what that looks like by living a life fully dedicated to Christ.
For me, this meant changes. I had been a Christian for a long time, but my priorities got mixed up over time and my life did not always point back to God (my lack of joy was a huge indicator of this).
So what does it look like to point your life at Jesus?
- Make time with God your first priority. We cannot live a life that glorifies God if we are not in communication with him.
- Spend time reading the Bible. God’s word instructs us on how we are supposed to live.
- Spend time in prayer. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and guide you.
- Obey. When the Holy Spirit speaks, either through the Word or through prayer, listen and obey.
As you center your life around God, share it with your children. Let them see you reading the Bible. Let them hear you pray. Explain how your actions are in obedience to God and why you are choosing to serve him. Your actions and choices will be accepted as normal, and what is expected by your children.
Even though my daughter is only 1, and doesn’t understand what I am doing right now, she still sees, and will grow up knowing that spending time with God is part of everyday life.
Children will imitate you, so make sure you are teaching them what is most important.
I often find myself thinking the same thing how can I train up my children into a relationship with Jesus. And like you said in number one making time with God should be our number one priority. As my kids are still young I know that my example is what will be the most influential on them. A great post and I’m pinning it for later.
Thanks Tasia! So glad you stopped by.
Our example. Yes! I didn’t have any idea how much of an impact that would have on our daughter until I had her and started watching closely. A great post!!
I am definitely amazed at how much my daughter learns from watching me. It starts at such a young age too!
Yes, making Jesus our number one priority is a great step towards being an example to our children.
One step in a long journey ahead I am sure! Thanks for stopping by.