Kids learn from us.
Everything trickles down to them.
Which kids learn from me?
My own kids and grandkids, younger siblings and cousins, nieces and nephews, neighborhood kids, even the kids around here that I’m not related to.
As Christians, sometimes we remember to do what is right because we know someone is following us! A grave responsibility: Matthew 18:6
And no one has more impact than a parent! Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 11:19
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- Take advantage of every opportunity to teach
- Realize you are teaching all the time
- Be aware and careful to teach right things
What kids learn from us…
How to swear and gossip and be critical
Dishonesty
Isaac repeated Abraham’s lie of Sarah/Rebecca being his sister – Genesis 12:10-20, 26:6-10
When we lie to our kids they learn to not trust us – or anyone else.
When we lie in front of our kids they learn truth is situational, that it’s ok to lie when it helps you out of a bind.
Inconsistency, promise-breaking and excuses
Our attitude toward sin
Rachel repeated Sarah’s sin of giving handmaiden to her husband – Genesis 16:1-4, 30:3-4
Eli saw his sons’ sinning but did nothing more than talk to them about it, he was responsible and it led to their deaths – 1 Samuel 2:12-14, 22
They learn how to cope, keep their word, solve problems, keep a positive attitude, treat others, empathize, value others.
They learn humility, priorities, punctuality, courtesy, manners, to say “thank you” and “I’m sorry”, what type friends to have, what kind of spouse to pursue, to treat their future spouse with love and respect, to treat their parents with love respect.
They learn to cry, fight and stand up for what they believe in, to serve, that everyone has something awesome to do for Jesus!, giving, to worship and give God credit, how to pray, to listen to and be obedient to God, to trust God.
They learn whether Christianity is a matter of commitment or convenience.
If you are leading your children and teens to follow Jesus, church reinforces what you’re teaching!
And who knows if she is not pressing to her bosom, perhaps a Whitefield, who will thunder out the gospel through the length and breadth of the land?
Charles Spurgeon
Salvation, the first step – Romans 10:9-10
RESOURCES
“Dear Parents of Teenagers, Here are 5 reasons you should keep your teens involved in youth group…” (parents of small children should read this, too!)
7 Things Teens Need From Their Parents So They Won’t Abandon God
3 Dangers of a Kid-Centered Family
Four Questions That Transform Dinner into Discipleship
10 Bible Verses to Pray over Your Children
10 Manly Things Every Dad Should Teach His Son How To Do
OTHER SCRIPTURES
Church 29:11 