I’m a person that likes to think years in advance. This part of my personality always leads to asking hypothetical, but ‘eventual happening ‘questions. One day this led my wife and I to begin talking about our future daughter-in-laws. Although, our children attend Mother’s Day Out and the 2nd grade; it’s fun to envision their future.
Our sons have different personalities. One is super strong-willed, durably tough, prematurely likes sports, and a ‘night owl’; while the other is easily compliant and offended, artsy, and prefers to be in bed by 830p and awake by 6a (without an alarm clock). There are commonalities between the two boys such as their preference for mom over dad, but their differences are many.
The ‘future daughter-in-law’ conversation led to a question. What would you hate most about your daughter-in-law, if your son married someone identical to you? Now, I’m not the sharpest husband in regards to saying the right things. I have made some downright ‘bone head’ statements to my wife that I dearly paid. However, this question was not directed towards my wife confessing her shortcomings, but simply a ‘what if’. After my wife answered the question, I did the same. Eliminating our deficiencies created our ideal daughter-in-law.
Answering the ‘question’ promoted a greater sense of urgency towards pursuing a Christian lifestyle. My children have unknowingly become great motivators. I don’t mind working longer hours, using extra money to pay for the best camps, daycares, or education, and eating dinner every night at the dinner table. With this said, I do mind waking up at night to a crying kid, watching Yo Gabba Gabba instead of Sports Center or Lost, and sharing the shower with a ‘needing to go to bed soon’ toddler. The issue with my ‘I minds’ is the self-serving attitude. I’m aware that this mindset is being witnessed and learned by my sons. If it’s not resolved, they will more than likely exemplify the same character towards their children. Their foundation for this attitude will be ‘my dad did it!’ I have chosen to desire the better attitude of ‘Jesus did it’. If I am to live my belief, there’s no better initiative than my children acting out Christ’s behavior, due to witnessing my lifestyle choices.
Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel, had a deceiving mother, Rebekah. She encouraged her son to deceive his father, Isaac, to bless him with a birthright that rightfully belonged to his older brother, Esau (Genesis 27). Of course, Jacob prevailed in his conniving plan, but later produced deceiving children. His sons would trick him into believing his favorite son, Joseph, had been killed (Genesis 37:12-36). Unfortunately, the root of deception could be traced back to Rebekah and maybe further, if we knew the whole story.
The same will happen to your children and grandchildren, if you do not choose to deal with your inconsistencies in living a holistic Christ life. I realize this truth the older my son’s become. The ‘funny’ things I do in the comfort of my home is not so ‘funny’ when my children do it in public (or at home). You’re an example is a reality.
Most parents desire to see their children joyful, prosperous, ‘well taken’ care of, and in healthy relationships, the list goes on. If you are not providing a good example or insincere in your religious attempts, please expect them to mimic your actions. Allow your children to motivate you to become closer and authentic in your personal relationship with the Lord. Children need to witness your Faith in action. They need substance- a solid foundation that never shifts, regardless of the circumstances (Ephesians 2:19-22). This foundation is Jesus Christ. Do not assume they know who you worship and praise, but be specific in your delivery (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Specifically address Him!
If we follow the ‘map’ Jesus Christ laid out for us to follow, we will be free from concern or worry (Philippians 4:8-9); due to the seeds we planted in our children’s life. Then, if your child marries someone like you, you would have peace (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). They would harvest a wonderful return. Remember, your children will carry your family legacy (Psalms 127:3). Invest in them by investing in yourself. Start by asking God for direction. They are watching you!
If you would like to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.
http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx
