Teaching Tuesday / The Values We Teach

You ever wonder what your children will be like when they are grown? Take a look at their environment. Our environment shapes our lives. The simple truth is

"Children learn what they live, and they live what they've learned!"

What do you value? Your children will probably, sooner or later, abide by the same value system that you taught them. We have God's promise on that.

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

But how do I impart my values to my children? First off, it's wise to be real sure of what you value yourself, not what you think you value. To determine that just take a look at where you spend your time and money.

People seldom spend their time or money on things or persons that they don't value. If you want your children to value their relationship with God, then they need to see you do the same. Do you carve out time alone with Him? Is He a priority? Your children will prioritize what you prioritize. If you spend more time on Facebook or other social media than you do with God, don't be shocked to see your teenager addicted to their phone.

What about your money? What values are you teaching your children about the stewardship of money? If they see you indulging on impulse buying, spending money for things to satisfy your own desires, while not giving a thought toward tithing or helping the needy, your children are going to follow after those same self-gratifying habits. So, don't be surprised if that same child seems to be ungrateful or self-centered . . . let me say it again, "Children learn what they live, and they live what they have learned."

So what's your priorities? What are you valuing? Is it God, family, and our great country? Or do you have a "gimme gimme", all about me attitude with your life focusing on satisfying the desires of your flesh? I have in years past lived in such SELFISHNESS, but thanks to Jesus and His Word, He has taught me a more excellent way.

Parents, please listen to me:

- if you cuss, your children will cuss

- if you lie and cheat, your children will lie and cheat

- if you steal from God by not tithing, your children will do the same

- if you use your tongue to tear down instead of blessing others with your words, your children will repeat that in their lives

and the list goes on and on . . . never ending with every sin you can imagine or think of.

The Good News is the positive side of this is true also!

- If you love the Lord, it will show your children to do the same! "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24:15)

- If you are kind to others, your children will be kind to each other and others.

-If you practice a lifestyle of forgiveness, your children will embrace you modeling that principle and do the same.

- If you serve others as unto the Lord, you will reap a rich harvest, because not only will your children learn to serve and bless you, but they will serve others also.

And here again the list goes on continually with every good deed, godly motive and service that you can imagine or think!

So, Dear Parents, you choose! You decide! What will your children's priorities and values be? They will be the same as yours! Choose WISELY!

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