Live on Purpose

Do you have influence in someone’s life?

In this post and the next I want to address those who are parents or grandparents or have sway and influence over the life of a child or children. My suspicion is that narrows things down to EVERYONE reading this.

Friday, I want to talk about discipling your kids and investing in them with the Word of God. That is so important…BUT…

Before we can give something to our children, we must have it for ourselves. So today, let me encourage you as a follower of Christ, to get in the Word. Have a quiet time with God.

I remember when I was a little kid (as far back as I can literally remember) every night my mom and dad would sit on the edge of my bed and do a devotional with me and pray for me. The most specific thing I remember about those times were the devotional book they used. (see pic)

We had that book and “More Little Visits With God.” Those were wonderful times that I looked forward too. (We will talk more about that tomorrow)

Today, though, I want to share with you what I realized and also remember those times.

I remember seeing my mom spending hours with the Lord. If you know my mom you know she is a student of the Word and is the best Bible teacher I have ever known. She was always in the Word and I saw it first hand.

My dad was at work most of the time during the day, but one distinct memory I have of him is one day stumbling across his Bible and seeing all of the handwritten notes in it. I didn’t really understand why it was ok to write in your Bible until later on in my life.

My point is that my parents gave me something that they already had. They were imparting to me the knowledge of a Savior. They were teaching me to love what is right. They were showing me how to love God. They did this in so many ways that I don’t have time to recall, but it was so important for me to know that they were not trying to give me something that they weren’t invested in themselves.

What they were doing is scriptural. God gave this command which is known as the “Shema” to the Israelites in the law.

⁴ “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. ⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. ⁶ These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. ⁷ Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. ⁹ Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9

My parents lived their faith. They loved God with all of their heart, soul and strength. I NEVER QUESTIONED THAT. Then they “repeated them to their children...” I was the recipient.

So, if you are an adult with a child in your life, I ask you…DO YOU LOVE GOD? DO YOU SEEK HIM IN HIS WORD? ARE YOU FAITHFUL IN SUPPORTING THE CHURCH WITH ATTENDANCE AND GIVING AND SERVING?

THESE ARE THE THINGS THEY WILL SEE.

YOU LIVING YOUR FAITH WILL MAKE THEIR REALIZATION OF FAITH SO MEANINGFUL.

Your kids or grandkids or nieces/nephews can’t have your faith, but your faith can certainly direct them and influence them to know Jesus personally as they grow.

So remember – you can’t give your kids what you don’t have for yourselves! Get in the Word, live your faith, make much of Jesus and then you will have something of value to give them!

Live on Purpose!