TODAY IS…

the day to be a living example of goodness for our children.

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”  Proverbs 1:8 KJV

What do our children see when they look at us?

Is what they observe in our actions and behavior a reflection of the goodness that should be a part of our relationship with God?

Are the signals we send them clear signals of morality, integrity, and Christian priorities?

Do they see us “…living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”? (Romans 14:17 NLT).

Do they hear us praising God for His help in filling our hearts with the desire to “…do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”? (Hebrews 13:16 NIV).

God has given each of us some extraordinary gifts, as well as some considerable responsibilities. It is important that we understand that no gift from God is more extraordinary than the gift of a child, and no responsibility is greater than being a living example to that child of the goodness of God and the importance of God in our lives.

It is simply not enough to tell a child how he or she should relate to other people and to God Himself. We must be ta living example for them to follow. Therefore, we must regularly ask ourselves, ‘What do my children see when they look at me?’

There are many of us who struggle just to find the time to keep up with the swirl of daily obligations and commitments we have surrounded ourselves with. We become so busy trying to build better lives on earth for our children that we end up inadvertently teaching them that it is acceptable to put God on the back burner because He is not as important as newer, bigger, better, or faster.

We deny this, of course, but this becomes what our children see, so this becomes what they learn.

We must make time every day for God.

We must teach our children, by example, that pleasing God is important. And not only is it important we do that, it is not very difficult to do. We simply must take time with our children, on a daily basis, to learn God’s lessons of love, peace, joy, caring, goodness, and service to God and those around us. Then we must apply these lessons to our daily lives and teach our children that this is how we please God and thank Him for all He gives us.

We must step in front of the mirror and ask ourselves another question:

“Am I a reflection of the goodness that should be a part of my relationship with God?”

If the answer is yes, thank Him.

If the answer is no, ask Him for help in changing it to yes and become a living example of goodness for your children.

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Taken from “TODAY IS….A Gift From God”, (C) 2013 Tony Casson