Enjoying Motherhood Part Twoनमुना

Live Out Your Faith

By Rae-Ellen Sanders

Do you enjoy watching your children grow? Watching them eat, play and even grow out of their clothes and begin to wear the next size? I have 5 kiddos and even though feeding them and taking inventory of what doesn’t fit anymore is a lot of work, I love to see them grow, especially in the area of their spiritual growth. It warms my mama heart when they understand biblical truths and ask questions. It was a huge honor to celebrate their acceptance of Jesus into their hearts and to see them baptized! Continuing to nurture their walk every day is a joyful challenge.   

Layers of biblical truths need to be laid in your child’s hearts to build up a strong foundation. Bible stories at bedtime, devotions in the morning, prayers before meals, praise music playing in your home and in your car, wholesome television shows and movies, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, retreats, summer camps, and fellowship with like-minded believers are all vital for your child’s growth. 

However, the greatest example is for them to watch you and your husband live out your faith. Children that see their parents remove themselves to pray and read their Bibles are going to want to imitate their actions. By showing your children, faith in action, you will solidify the importance as well as the commitment that is needed to persevere and prosper in our walk with God. Sister, your kids are watching, and they are cataloging your words and actions! Sometimes their actions won’t match what the Bible says they should and then you will have the amazing opportunity to humble yourself and explain the need for repentance and forgiveness. It is important to show our kids that when we serve God, sometimes we will miss the mark and need God’s grace. 

What a huge task we have as parents to represent well and to direct the little hearts placed in our care, toward Jesus. Did you know that there isn’t anything good in us, because of our flesh, and that it is Christ in us that even allows us to speak the things of God! Without the Holy Spirit’s help, our efforts are in vain. Let that sink in- sweet mom. We NEED to be praying moms as well as moms who read God’s Word to be able to teach our children the ways of God. Thankfully the Holy Spirit speaks through us when we ask Him and helps us to minister Jesus’ love.

Enjoying your children’s growth into responsible, God-fearing adults should be at the top of our list of achievements as a mother. Sister, surround yourself with godly friends who pray for you in this lifelong endeavor and also exemplify a heart for Jesus to your family. I exhort you as I labor alongside you to build up living stones in your spiritual houses. Your life will be filled with great joy as you do!