How to Keep Pressing On

Your New Year’s resolution to read the Bible every day lasted about a week …

You swore you would quit swearing in front of the kids, but …

Of course, church is important, but this week you’d really rather …

Oof. The spiritual journey is long and hard. Jesus saves us no matter what “works” we do, but we want to continue to grow closer to him, more like him. And that takes discipline and resiliency. We will stumble. The real question is: will we get back up and keep trying? That’s what our kids need to see.

My friends, I don’t feel I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done.

Philippians 3:13–14 (CEV)

The apostle Paul readily admits he did not achieve perfection in his goal to be like Christ. He is clear that it would be a journey, only truly fulfilled and rewarded at the end of this life. But he reiterated that he would keep on trying. He will press on until that day when he reaches his goal—to be like Christ—and wins his prize—eternal life with Christ himself.

Often, this next generation is criticized for not being “mentally tough.” That begs the question: Are they seeing us try, fail, and try again? Instead of worrying about being imperfect models, we can focus on showing them that we keep trying. We will ask forgiveness when we curse. We will ask God to help us grow as we put in our effort. We can start again and again in our spiritual disciplines.

And we can “live out loud”—telling our children about our process, our falterings, our prayers, and what encourages us. As our children see Jesus work in our lives to change us and see us working with Jesus, they will better know how to press on despite their own failures and frustrations.

PRAY

Lord, forgive me! I fail so often. Thank you for your grace and the chance to keep trying. May my children see you even in my imperfections. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): In what area would you like to be more like Jesus? Have you seen me change in any way?

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand their Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Titus 2:11–14

Hebrews 9:14