Committed

What will your children do when they’re on their own, when you can’t make them behave anymore? Will they choose to eat vegetables, take breaks from their screens, shower on a regular basis? Will they find healthy influences, go to church, and make good decisions?

Most importantly, will they live for the Lord?

You can influence the answer to these questions. It’s been found the more committed parents are to their faith, the more committed children will remain into adulthood. A 2007 study by Lifeway Research reported that teens whose parents live a faithful life are much more likely to continue to go to church as young adults. In another survey, Promise Keepers found that two-thirds to three-fourths of kids will go to church if their fathers attend.

It’s yet another reason to live fully sold-out to Christ. But the first and most important reason is that it’s what God calls us to do.

As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.

Ephesians 4:1 (CEV)

In the work force, you can get by for a time only partly invested in your job—until you find yourself boots-on-the-ground managing all of the competing priorities. But to be a true Christ-follower you must be all-in. Paul, writing to the people of Ephesus, calls himself a slave and a prisoner to Jesus … unable to escape, by choice!

If we want our children to have that kind of relationship with the Lord, we must model it. We won’t be a perfect example, of course, but we can be authentic in the struggle. We need to be striving for growth in all areas of the Christian life, including church involvement (not just watching online), Bible study, giving, prayer, moral conduct, and evangelism.

The Lifeway survey dove deeper to find that teens who discussed spiritual topics at home were even more likely to persevere in faith as a young adult. Sharing what you are learning, what you are struggling with, and praying for each other draws young people into the community with lasting ties. There’s no room for apathy in our spiritual walk. We need to show up. Ban the “whatever” attitude. Take the “way that is worthy.”

And be encouraged, Mom and Dad. Your example is highly influential, whether or not it seems like it now.

Pray

Lord, help me be sold out, fully committed to you. Pull me in deeper. Grow me up. And help me be the model my children need. 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): What are you learning about God at church? In your own life? What have you wanted to ask God this week?

Keep It Going

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

Romans 14:7-8

Philippians 1:21