Last post we learned what is the most important question we can ask ourselves as parents. We were left to contemplate what we value. We were asked to consider what inheritance we desire to leave our children, natural and spiritual children God has entrusted to us.
No matter their age, our children see who we are and what we hold important. They see how we conduct ourselves. Who we are profoundly shapes who they become.
The phrase, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” clearly demonstrates the influence we have over our children. What our children see in us and perceive to be true based on how we conduct ourselves, so often become the reality they live. Each decision they make weighed against what they’ve experienced while living under our care.
Either they want to be just like mommy or daddy when they grow up…. Or if they don’t like what they see, children may desire to grow up and be exactly the opposite of mommy and daddy. They make vows to themselves, “I will never be like him or her.”
On the surface that level of influence might not seem too detrimental. However, it creates situations of extreme response. Never. Always. Not representative of a happy, healthy balance somewhere on the spectrum of life.
As we teach our children, we want to give them wisdom. I don’t want to give my wisdom, because my view might not always be the right one. I want to leave my child with godly wisdom. I pray that is the inheritance I leave for my son. I pray that is the inheritance we all leave for our children.
Godly wisdom keeps our children from steering off course.
That is why when we looked at what we want our children to value most, my answer for my son is Christ.
If I know my son knows Jesus, I trust God will give him wisdom far beyond my human capacity to instill it in him. I trust God will give me wisdom to parent him. If my son sees me “knowing Jesus” even if I really don’t know much else, it’s all I need to know. He’s all I need to know. He’s all my son needs to know.
If I make knowing Jesus my most important value I want my son to see, my prayer is above all else that value will rise to the surface. I want him to one day say, “my mom really loved Jesus”. It’s one of the most powerful motivators to me as a parent.
I want Christ in me to make such a difference in how I live my life that my son can’t help but see it. I want that so his faith is ever reinvigorated and that flame never goes out.
Faith is an independent decision made by each of us. We don’t inherit it, per se. We can’t make those decisions for our children. But we can model for them and make the decision-making process easier. I want my son to see in me something he strongly desires for himself. Love. Peace. Hope. Joy. Fruit that drops close to the tree, for our Abba Father loves us so much.
When wisdom enters your heart,
And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Discretion will preserve you;
Understanding will keep you,
To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things.
From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness; — Proverbs 2:10-13 NKJV
When we know Christ, wisdom enters our heart. We are given a deposit of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our steps. Wisdom directs our footsteps and the steps of our children.
When I can’t be with my son, God ALWAYS is. That is powerful reassurance for this mama.
Let it be powerful reassurance for us all.
Let’s pray.
God, please oversee our children. Help us to leave a beautiful legacy of faith that demonstrates love for You. Guide our children’s hearts with wisdom and knowledge that is pleasant to their soul. Give them discretion that will preserve them. Give our children understanding to keep them. Deliver them from the way of evil, from men who speak perverse things, and who leave the paths of uprightness. Help our children to walk in Your light, Abba Father. Push back the darkness of the world and let your presence permeate every aspect of our children’s mind, soul, and spirit. Help us as parents and people of influence leave an inheritance of faith with the fragrant fruit of love, peace, hope and joy for many generations to come. In Jesus’ name, amen!
QUESTIONS & ACTIONS
- How does thinking of leaving your faith as an inheritance for your children and grandchildren impact your decision to follow Christ each day?
- How is God asking you to walk out your faith for your family’s legacy?
- If you inherited a strong faith legacy, ask God to grow it even stronger. Praise Him. Take time out today to thank your parents for leaving a lineage of faith and demonstrating a love for Christ to you.
- If you did not inherit a strong faith legacy but have come to know Christ as a first generation believer, pray for godly spiritual parents to help lead and guide your steps.
About the author: Tracy Stella is a Christ-follower on the journey of life, seeking to see God and His will for her fulfilled on this great adventure. She feels compelled to share the story of God’s hand in her life with the hope that readers will search for and see God at work in their own lives. Jesus writes the greatest story of all. It’s called Redemption for those who are willing to surrender to His love and leading. I pray God continues to write a glorious story in each of your lives. Amen.
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