by Are you raising your children to see life through joy-colored glasses? How do we do this? By living joy. By example.
True joy comes from a relationship with the Source of joy…
We all want our children to exhibit the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control, etc…and in John 15, Jesus tells us, “Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” Skip down to verse 11 and read, “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”
Why aren’t Christians more joyful? Because we’re out there stirring up a lot of religious dust in the name of ministry, too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet and meditate on Him. And fruit apart from the tree rots, is fed on by worms and flies. Eventually it stinks.
We can’t do it all. Thank God we don’t have to. Concentrate on the Source, and let it spill over onto your spouse and your children. Your example as you prioritize your family will send a message far louder than all your “good works” could ever do. And when we retreat to Him, listen to Him, and obey…well, that’s where the impact is. The ripple effect of this seemingly simplistic approach is huge.
So take time with your children. Talk over the various scenerios they may encounter before they occur and encourage them to always react God’s way. Help them to be of the “glass half-full” mentality. God first, others next, me last.
Marriages and children are a full time ministry. So choose joy, and expect blessings!
Eph. 3:20, “Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…”
You know, I never really thought about marriage and children as a ministry, but you’re so right. Seasons of joy are awesome. Thanks for the reminder:)
That half glass mentality is a good one, too often we look at life with a negative attitude instead of a positive one. And yes marriages and children are definitely fulltime ministries for us moms, I wouldn’t swap it for anything. 🙂
What a terrific encouragement and challenge– we definitely need to plan how we will react. Too often we let things happen and hope we react well. By planning, we know what we’ll do and we can do so in a way that glorifies God.
Thanks!
What a beautiful and truthful post! Thank you for this!!
Well, “God first, others next, me last” – it’s a nice words from a book. But how you are planning to implement it in you real life? You know, how f.e. young people ( including me (yup, I’m not so mature.. only 24)) gonna face this fact? I was brought in the correct family, I know what is Good and what is Bad, but in any way, I doubt that my thoughts are directed in the way you said ( “God first, others next, me last”). Moreover, in today’s world it’s rather hard to survive, if you will put yourself on the last position in this chain.
I do agree it’s easy to “talk the talk”…but as far as walking it…yes, I’m sure I don’t put God first in everything…I’m not perfect, and never will be. But I do believe you can never go wrong when you put God first. So many people’s lives testify to that. Surviving is relative! I think we can all survive being in last place, and most of us don’t view it as last place. My point is mostly that when you really move your selfishnesses to the background, and start looking to befriend and help others and love them the way Jesus loves us, then you really cease to mind the little injustices that come your way, that used to really upset you. I’ve found this to be true in my life anyway. I’m much happier when I’m not focused on myself, and my circumstances.
I’m almost 10 years older than you though! Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is always a good start. And when you become a spouse and have kids, wow, that’s where this way of life really gives you a lot of practice with good results. You just can’t have a successful relationship without sacrifice. And sacrifice on both people’s parts is a beautiful thing, it’s called true love! Putting others first. Jesus did it for us, what a model to follow!