We have recently been in one of those lovely spells where we are having constant car troubles. Did I mention it was with both of our cars? It’s never fun, but our experiences reminded me of something important.
You see, throughout this journey, we have had many negative experiences. From mechanics who didn’t learn the skills they needed to really do their job well, to mechanics who weren’t doing their best – making mistakes a brand new mechanic shouldn’t make, to over-charging, unkept promises and lies – we have experienced a wide range of the problems in our world.
Yet, all of these problems could disappear in our world. Other problems could be solved. The lives and eternities of millions of people could change and improve (drastically!). Sound impossible? What can you as one person do to have this kind of positive impact on our world?
Raise your kids to not just act godly, but be godly. Give them the strong spiritual foundations they need, to become active, productive, faithful Christians. Teach them to obey God’s commands – all of them – not just the ones that are “cool”. Help them learn how to share their gifts by serving others and sharing their faith.
Sounds overly simplistic, doesn’t it? But what if the mechanics and service workers in our car experience had been raised that way? Not bothering to do our very best at our jobs – including learning to do them well and doing them to the very best of our ability? Colossians 3:23. Over-charging clients – a form of stealing? Deuteronomy 25:13-16. Not keeping promises? Matthew 5:37. Telling lies? Matthew 15:18-20. And that’s just from one real world example.
Your kids aren’t going to absorb these principles and commands from God out of thin air. Sadly, they may never be taught them at church. You, as their parents, are responsible for teaching all of God’s commands and principles to your kids.
Yes, it takes a lot of time and effort. But it is absolutely worth it. Because taking the time to teach your kids what God wants from them and helping them practice it until it becomes a part of their very identity, changes everything. Not just for you and your kids, but for everyone they meet.
I just wish our mechanics’ parents had taken the time to parent their kids that way!