I stopped for a little while the other day and thought about the impact that I could have on the kids in my community. I really thought about how much I could impact their lives for Christ. I started looking at the times that I am around them. I spend about 2 hours with them on Wednesday nights teaching and telling them about the love of God. I go to their lunches about once a week and spend about 30 minutes with them. I go to some of their softball, baseball, and football games, and I do some of the devotionals at their schools for about 10-15 minutes. Then I asked myself this question: “How can I make the impact that is needed in the lives of these kids if I only get to spend about 3-4 hours a week with them?” There are 168 hours in a week and I can only spend about 3-4 hours with them! Where do they spend the rest of their time? I know they spend 8 hours for 5 days a week at school but that is only 40 hours a week. Teenagers today can spend anywhere from 100-128 hours a week at home. So my next question was how can I offset what they are being taught for 128 hours in 3 hours? I can’t; but, parents, you and God can. The Bible has told us how we are to reach the youth in today’s society. It is not by sending them to church for a few hours a week. It is not letting the school system teach your kid what is right and wrong. It is not having conversations with your kids and never bringing up the name of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 says “The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Always remember these commands I give you today. Teach them to your children, and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them down and tie them to your hands as a sign. Tie them on your forehead to remind you, and write them on your doors and gates.”
God repeated these commandments over and over because they are so important. God wants parents to teach His commands to their children. He not only wants but commands them to teach it. It is the responsibility of the parent to teach who God is and what He commands us to do and the way He wants us to live. This requires more than just sending them to church. It requires the parent going to church with them. It requires spending time with your children daily telling them about Jesus Christ.
“Never underestimate the ponderings of a Christian parent. Never underestimate the power that comes when a parent pleads with God on behalf of a child. Who knows how many prayers are being answered right now because of the faithful ponderings of a parent ten or twenty years ago? God listens to thoughtful parents. Praying for our children is a noble task. If what we are doing, in this fast-paced society, is taking us away from prayer time for our children, we’re doing too much. There is nothing more special, more precious than that time that a parent spends struggling and pondering with God on behalf of a child. It’s not too late for the child who has brought only tears. Think of Jesus’ parents; the mother who had to watch her son crucified saw her son raised from the dead. Though you may go to the grave wondering if your prayers will ever be answered, don’t stop praying. God blesses faithfulness.” (From the Inspirational Bible, “Parents”)
“You were intended to live in your Father’s house. Any place less than His is insufficient. Any place far from His is dangerous. Only the home built for your heart can protect your heart. And your Father wants you to dwell in Him.” Max Lucado
Parents let you home be filled with the words, commands, and love of Jesus. Teach your kids who God wants them to be. Spend time with them teaching them in the ways of God and modeling for them a Christ-centered lifestyle. Pray for your children daily. Pray that they will know and follow the one and only true God. Let’s start changing the world for Christ, one home at a time.
“Thanks mom and dad for showing me how to live and love like Christ; by showing me the love that He has through the love that you have and gave to me. I love you, and I thank God everyday for the Christian home that you made for me. Thanks for trusting in God and teaching me how to live a life that would be pleasing to Him. You’re the best parents anyone could ever ask for!”
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