Raising Children With A Heart For The Lord

This August, I will have been saved 40 years.

Since I was so young when I got saved, I was still in a very pure, innocent state. Even so, I understood that I was a sinner and that I needed a Savior. I called on him in complete faith and trust.

Since that day, I have had a desire to grow closer to the Lord- letting him mold me and shape me into what he wants.

I had the privilege to be raised in a Baptist home, where I went to church every week, and I was exhorted and encouraged to walk in the Spirit and live like a Christian.

There were three specific areas where I was encouraged to be different- set apart, a light to the lost world.

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I married someone who had those same convictions as I.

Because I am a stay at home mom, most of the responsibility falls on me during the day to bring my children up in the admonition of the Lord. However, my husband and I have the same goal when raising kids.

We are raising them with the mindset that they are Christians. (7 out of the 8 have called on Christ for salvation) Because of this, they should be different than those who are *not Christians.

I Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

What are some very distinct things that set us apart?

1. Behavior

There are specific principles outlined in the Bible for how we should act. How we should treat others. How we should treat our brothers in Christ. Over and over, we are told how to honor God with our lives. We are admonished to forgive. To have patience, forbearance. To love. We are told to be sober. To deal honestly with our fellow man. To not commit adultery, not lie, not murder, not steal. Some of these things don't always come easily, but doing them, or not doing them, are evidence of walking in the Spirit, and not giving in to the flesh.

2. Speech

I firmly believe, was taught, and continue to teach my kids, that there is speech of the world and speech of those who follow Jesus. One of the things that sets us apart more than anything is our speech, and our choice of words. Words have power. Words can bring life, or words can tear down. In all of the secular jobs that my husband has worked, there was one thing that made him stick out from his co-workers and got people talking- and that was his choice of words. He didn't use profane language. He didn't curse or swear or talk about perverted things. And people noticed. It has opened the door for so many opportunities to share the good news of the gospel- all because he had control over his tongue. Anyone can be offensive with their language, (and yes, there are offensive words. Even if the world has deemed a word offensive, 2 Corinthians 6:3a still stands) but not everyone has power over their tongue. Anyone can be like everyone else, not everyone can tame their tongue.

James 3:810

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

3. Appearance

I believe that in a world blurring the lines between God- given genders, we should strive to bring glory and honor to God in the way we dress, carry ourselves, and appear to others. It's also a great way to be a testimony, and I have had many conversations with people who ask about my clothing. It's not a way to try to impress others, or to make ourselves appear "more spiritual or holy", it's just a way to honor God in all areas of our lives. It's not a contest, and it's not even a checklist of things I mark off to make sure I am "acceptable." It's a matter of the heart, being displayed on the outside.

All of the things mentioned above are traits that start in the heart and are made manifest on the outside. What's inside will spill outside.

I have tried to raise my kids around those who also embrace the same convictions and ideals as I do. I want to be around other Christians who encourage me to grow closer to Christ, not further away from him. Who encourage my separation, not mock it. Who let my kids know that we aren't on an island- that there are others who believe the same things that we do. (It's because of camps, youth conferences, and revivals that I am who I am today. Preaching that has lasted me a lifetime.)

And while there isn't one family who is the same across the board, I want to be provoked by other families unto good works. I want to be strengthened and encouraged to do better by others, not put down, criticized, or called a "holier than thou" by those who might have a lower standard than me in some area. Those who have higher standards or convictions than me don't intimidate me, they inspire me. Those who have lower standards than me don't irritate me. I just hope I am an encouragement to them.

We all have different priorities in life. I don't want to just raise functioning members of society, I want to raise kids who are Christ followers. Sure, they won't be perfect. I am not perfect. We all mess up, and we all have areas where we can improve. None of us have it "all together", nor will we until we see Christ. That's where grace comes in- for ourselves and our children.

My biggest hope for them is that they have a burning desire in their hearts to be more like Christ each and every day- and to surround themselves with those who have the same desire.