One of the long-term goals of mothers no matter the season we are in. is making sure that we get to help our children have a bright future, We want the best for them, hence we strive to give them the best education, help them develop their talents and interests to their advantage, and teach them principles that can make them successful in life.
Of course, apart from all that, we try our best to make them financially secure, We work hard to leave them property and some amount in the bank that could help them get by in life. But is this really the foundation we are called to build our children’s lives on?
As present-day followers of Jesus, mothers like us are called to train up our children in the instruction of the Lord. We are to help them have a Christ-like character, so that they will know what matters more in life, and they could live a life worth living.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
When we invest time on developing our children’s character, and raise them according to God’s word, we give them the advantage of having a good foundation in life. And while it is not guaranteed that they will not make wrong choices, or fall into bad habits, the seeds of faith we plant in their hearts will remain accessible to them as they face life challenges.
For instance, instead of thinking that they are hopeless and they are facing a dead end, they can access the knowledge that whatever mistakes they may have committed they can always come home to a God who will forgive them, and could transform their lives.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” Matthew 7:24-26
And so how do we live this out in the present time? Well, it is never too late to expose children to church. We make going to church on a Sunday as a non-negotiable — if this is not yet a rule in your house.
We also expose them to God’s word by normalizing bible-based discussions at home. We consume godly content on TV and Digital media together. We ask them what they have learned from Sunday school, or in church. We also take time to pray with them every single day.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Of course we cannot do everything listed above if we are not living a God-honoring life. We can never give something that we do not have. And so on our end, we should work on nurturing a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. We should make sure we put God first in everything that we do.
We should prioritize our time with God, and allow kids to see us reading the Bible. We should also live a life of kindness and integrity not just with our family members but to others as well. We must model a heart that loves Jesus, and loves others through service. When we do all these, we get to model a God-centered lifestyle for our kids to emulate.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
The best legacy we could ever leave our children is not a huge bank account, nor a sizeable investment portfolio. A legacy of faith, that grounds them to who is truly important in their lives, and what they ought to live for, is the best gift we could ever give them.
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Matthew 6:20-21
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Matthew 7:24-27 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What legacy do you wish to leave to your children?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the best parent we all could ever have, Your grace, mercy, and generosity has always been a mainstay in my life. Allow me the grace, Lord to parent in a way that you have called me to. Amen