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
