In reading our Sunday magazine distributed before service I came across a thought provoking article on how children learn behaviors and thus came about writing this blog. At least weekly, my grown daughters remind me of something we did or said or were involved with. It could be a vacation, or a time of losing a family member, or when the tornado destroyed our stable & how we witnessed to those who came to help, but they remember something from this and it became a part of them. They probably graciously don't say other things they may remember as we parents are not perfect at all times.
Children tend to imitate what they see more that they follow what they hear. It is one thing for parents to tell children what to do and quite another for them to model Christlike behavior and priorities.
" A parent's words may fade, but the memory of his or her life lasts a lifetime." Hal Donaldson
Parents can influence their child's future by modeling the following 15 things (not ranked in order of importance - do them all)
- Faithfulness: Attend church regularly, pray and read the Bible daily, and stay true to the teachings of Christ (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
- Fullness : Be full of the Holy Spirit and aware of his promptings and guidance in your life. (John 16:5-16)
- Friendship: Reach out to unbelievers and be an encourager to your friends (John 15:13,14)
- Fulfillment: Demonstrate that following Christ is the only way to a fulfilling life (Philippians 4:4-9)
- Following: Be a servant, one who is willing to follow others (John 13:1-17)
- Freshness: Let the Lord renew your strength and give you stamina (Isaiah 40:31)
- Fear: Have a healthy fear of the Lord that keeps you from sin (Proverbs 1:7)
- Fearlessness Be strong and courageous, with confidence the Holy Spirit is going before you (Joshua 1:9)
- Frugality : Do not waste resources, but be generous toward others in need (2 Corinthians 9:6)
- Fairness: Treat everyone with respect regardless of one's rank or status (James 2:1-7)
- Fidelity: Remain faithful to your spouse, honoring him or her in both word and deed (Ephesians 5:22-33)
- Forgiveness : Forgive those who hurt you (Ephesians 4:32)
- Fun: Be joyful, for Christ is alive in you (Genesis 21:6)
- Freedom: Refrain from legalism (Romans 8:1)
- Faith: Believe God for the miraculous (Mark 9:23)
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Kath...great entry.......
I have been very busy with moving to a new brokarage AND my grandkids are visiting for a while longer....I am sorry I have not been consistent with the proverbs bible study.....
=-/
When they go back to their parents home in Alabama...things will get back to normal very quickly....
Theres not too much time till that happens....
=-)