FreedomExemplo

Making An Impression

Do you ever look at a task and think it’s too great? I look at the state of our world and I weep. Wickedness is prevailing and, by all accounts, the church has lost ground. Like never before, it is unpopular to be a Christian in our culture. Where did we go wrong? Is there anything we can do?

I once heard “if God repeats himself, you better listen!” He’s repeatedly told me the answer is in his design for the family. Before the church or the priesthood, before Israel became a nation, God created the family. Family is God’s design, and the enemy hates it! It should be no surprise that the adversary is fighting furiously against the family. We see his schemes in our culture–his attack on marriage, gender, sexuality, and children in the womb. He is relentless, and the church is not exempt from his influence. Meanwhile, social media, entertainment, busy schedules, and hobbies distract us. None of these are wrong, but if they take away from loving the Lord with all that we are, they are idols.

If we want to see change in the world, we must differ from the world, starting with our families. Impress on our children who God is, what He loves, and what breaks His heart. We are to make Him a part of our daily lives. We must teach our children that being a Christian is not what we do, it’s who we are!

You may already live this scripture out. I encourage you to disciple another sister to do the same. Even if your kids have left home, it’s never too late to start. And what a beautiful blessing to disciple grandchildren. Our first mission field is our family. I love the imagery the NIV gives, “Impress them on your children.” We are to mold, shape, and influence our kids for Christ. They will be influenced, either by us or by the world.

We have been tasked with sharing an imperative message, and I think we’ve complicated God’s simple, natural plan. The message of the gospel must start in our homes with our children.

Father, I pray for wisdom and courage to point my family to the truth of your Word.

For Further Reading: Proverbs 3:3-5; Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:14-17