I was walking around our home a few weeks ago asking the Lord to show me ways to instill His love into the heart of my children, a love that authentically seeks Christ first and foremost. Of course, one way is by our words. What we as parents say to our children is critical. Our words can be opportunities to bring encouragement and hope -or- harm and despair.
Another way is by reflecting Christ-like behavior in our daily life, both in public and in private. Kids see, kids do. They mimic us and reflect much of what they observe us do – both good and bad.
As parents, one of our primary responsibilities is to raise our kids in the faith. It is our responsibility to “train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6).
The mother of St. Timothy is a good example. Timothy’s Jewish mother taught him “from childhood” the “sacred writings” which were able to make him “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). It is a privilege to share the Holy Scriptures with our children for their salvation. After all, the family is nothing less than a domestic church!
Another Biblical example is Moses: “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).
St. Paul reminds fathers that we need to handle our children with gentleness, care, and sacrificial love. He reminds us, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). In case we fathers forget, St. Paul again reminds us, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21).
Our blessings as parents are unspeakable. The Psalmist says that those who have been given the opportunity to raise children have been given a mighty blessing! “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalms 127:3).
At our home, we try to organize our shoes in ways that are appealing to guests and for our own sanity when trying to find them. Remember I was telling you about my walk through the house? Well, I unexpectedly found simple things that remind me that children truly do “imitate” their parents!
Just like my daddy!
My daddy puts his shoes on the shelf – so can I!
Children will follow our example. Is there any better example in life than being Christ-like for our children to see and follow? In Catholic Christianity, we say that, “an icon is worth a thousand sermons.” As parents, exhibiting Christ-like behavior is worth a thousand lectures.
Blessings to you and your family!
Troy
