Faith, Family, Friends and Football, part 3 of 3
4. Encourage your children to serve in your church.
When they are young they are eager to serve, so let them serve in a way that is appropriate for their age.
Teach them how to get along with others and forgive. The best way to do this is to be an example yourself. I know the temptation to say something unkind or seek revenge. That kind of behavior will only hurt the spirit of a church and discourage many, especially our children who are watching. If prayer and Bible reading are neglected this will be very hard to do.
5. Love, respect, and enjoy your spouse and children.
A happy home more often than not encourages your children to want to carry on God’s purpose for their lives. So, have fun with your family on an individual basis and together.
Have a time alone with your spouse each week. Use that time to discuss family issues if necessary, but most of all let it be a time of relaxation and pleasant conversation.
Every day tell your family that you love them. Do something out of the ordinary for your spouse that says, “I love and appreciate you!” Place your young children on your lap and assure them of your love and God’s love for them. The best time for this is before they go to bed. That is when they seem to need you most. A kind human touch produces a hormone that promotes well being and gives them the assurance they need. As your children get older, never push them away or seem annoyed when they want to hug you or just be near you. Be approachable to your whole family, this will not be so difficult if you are spending time in your Bible and prayer. Our God is always forgiving and full of tender mercies. Why should we not treat our family the same way.
Practice good manners at home and everywhere you go. Words such as “thank you,” “please,” “may I,” “excuse me” are not expressed as often as they should be. Let us do our part in keeping these practices alive by passing them on to our children.
In conclusion, the foundation to faithfulness is Bible, prayer, church attendance and service to others (in your home and abroad). With a healthy dose of all these we can be like the Rechabites, committed till the end and our homes will be sweeter indeed, when each lives for the other and all live for God. By: Barbara Grande
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