They are always watching…
It’s been an interesting month at our house. While busy doing chores one day, the skid loader broke. Because of its age, parts were hard to find; which automatically equals expensive. The day I came home with the new cylinders for the skid loader, Josh was in the middle of splitting our tractor in half. Literally! Never a good sign when you can physically walk between the cab and the engine block. The good news is, I married a tractor mechanic and he has a shop.
Josh loves being out in his shop working on other peoples tractors. He claims it isn’t as much fun when it is your own. However, I think he failed to see how much fun this was for our two youngest to watch their Dad fix the tractor they ride in every single day. You see, when Josh is in the shop, AJ and Evan are always right behind him. They find random bolts and nuts and twist them together. (Never parts from the actual tractor being serviced, of course!) When the cherry picker isn’t in use, they are hoisting their bikes, pedal tractor, and other child friendly transportation up for an oil change or some other type of service work. They love to watch and imitate what their daddy does. Grease and all!
Children learn by watching and imitating the things we do. They are quick to pick up on our actions; both good and bad. What do your children see when they watch you? Are you demonstrating yourself as someone who dabbles in your faith or as a passionate follower of Christ?
In 1 Corinthians 11:1 Paul said “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
Parents, making disciples is your primary calling and your children are the primary disciples in your life. God has entrusted them to your care, for you to show them how to honor, glorify, and live for Him. God wants us to disciple our children to glorify Him, and no one is better qualified than you!
No one knows or loves your child more than you, so you are the best person for the job. You may feel a bit inadequate, but practice makes perfect. Get in your Bible each day, spend time in prayer and then sit quietly and listen for God to help you and for the Holy Spirit to guide you.
If you are still a bit unsure, study Jesus’ life. Jesus showed the Disciples how to follow God by simply following him for a few years. Jesus made sure the disciples had what they needed, he led them into the world, disciplined them, and taught them righteous living. Jesus didn’t just teach the disciples how to not sin. He was a perfect example of how to live FOR the Father in Heaven, and he is your perfect example of how to show your children do the same.
God isn’t interested in teaching our children behavior modification, but rather complete and total heart transformation. God wants nothing more than your children to seek Him. Be their best example to follow. Let your children see you seeking God by reading your Bible each day. Read the Bible to them and discuss what you read together. Teach them to pray and to listen for God to speak to them. Some of this may be new to you, but use these times of study to grow together. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. We are lifelong learners, and you have the best Teacher available for the job. Just because you can’t see him does not mean he isn’t right beside you helping you.
Watching for my Father’s example,
Becky Ossefoort, Children’s Ministry Coordinator