Why is it so difficult to share our faith with others? Whatever is most important in our lives for the day seems to be told to every friend that we can call, email, or talk to personally. Is our current relationship with Jesus equally as important as a great electronics sale at Wal-mart?
I have heard time and time again from parents, "We don't want to force our faith on our children. We just want them to catch it from our everyday lives." Hey, it is true that if it is not lived in everyday life it's not worth much, but without instruction can they really interpret every reason behind our actions? My oldest son is old enough to get a driver's license, but I'm thinking that he might not want to drive if I pressure him with instructing him in the car or making him go through Driver's Training........................................................NOT! We don't question school, part-time jobs, or driver's training. Oh, I remember why this is different; it's because it is a personal matter. Lots of things are personal matters. Without training in all things our children are left to the influence of the world. Look around, do we want our children "catching" things that the world is offering. There is all kinds of wisdom out there, and I'm not sure that a couple hours at church each week is enough to be a disciple.
Lots of places in the Bible speak of parents and even grandparents godly influence on children. Deuteronomy chapter 6 even says that we are to be talking of God's commands with our children as we sit, walk, and lie down. Teaching and experiencing the wonderful things of God together in all areas of life is what God has designed.
The intentional family observes God's working and interacts to help each other understand as much of God as we can. In doing this truth is caught and taught. Just try it. Spend some time this week talking to your children and/or spouse about what you are doing and why you are doing it, or summarize an experience with how the principles of the Bible apply to your activities.
Bryan
1 comment:
Dear Bryan,
I had lunch with a friend today, and we were talking about blogs. I have one that I have been updating regualarly. It's about my journey to becoming a first-time parent, and it has been filled with amazing health trials and victories, in equal proportion. She mentioned your blog and told me of your cancer battle. Then she mentioned your name and said you grew up on the same street together. I couldn't believe it ... we were friends in high school! I'm Antoniette (then Riehl, now Saunders ...) She e-mailed me the link to this blog and it is a total blessing to me to read, and your video is pure inspiration! I've been walking with the Lord for the last 20+ years, been married the last 10 to a true servant of Jesus and am, like you, so thankful to Him for all He has done, and is doing, in spite of the various challenges and hurdles that seem insurmountable. My husband and I have been unsuccessful at having children the first 9 years of our marriage, and instead of forcing our way through fertility treatments, we just rested in the peace that God knew what He was doing. We got involved in various youth ministries and camps and eventually found ourselves on the path to adoption. Well, we just got approved in October, 2006. Then, in March of this year, the day after my 43rd birthday, I found out we are pregnant! We are still blown away! Our daughter is due at the end of October. I have faced the fear of breast cancer since I had to have 2 biopsies ... and one was a "procedure" with no anesthesia (I know you know what I speak of ...) and by His mercy and grace, I don't have inflammatory breast cancer like they first believed. I am still battling numerous health issues, but am committed to bringing this little girl into our lives as sfely as possible.
I would love to send you a copy of a picture I have of us the last day of school, for me it was graduation, so please send me an e-mail address. Here is my blog address, feel free to peruse at your leisure:
http://babymake3.blogspot.com/
Blessings to you and your beautiful family, I was so happy to read and hear of your faith and successes!
In His grip,
Antoniette
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