Christian parents,
The charge that has been strongly on my spirit recently is our privilege and responsibility to be living examples of Christ for our children.
We have live-in disciples, who have their eyes upon us 24/7. What are we teaching them by our life? Our walk? Our priorities? Our reactions? Our temper? Our words?
In addition to diligently teaching them the ways of the Lord, we are to also model for our children a life of repentance and the remission of sins. We are to allow the Lord to do such a refining work in our lives that by the grace of God we can be something our children can rightly emulate.
And this applies not only to the easy, happy days, but specifically during the times we feel hard-pressed. We must refuse to justify our sin during difficult times, but by the grace of God, may we reflect Christ even when our flesh is vexed.
But how?
We must allow God’s light to fully pass through us to cleanse and order what doesn’t align with His Spirit.
Through time in His presence and prayer.
Through surrender and repentance.
Through His Word and faith.
Through abiding in Him and Him in us.
The refining of the Lord is a process, and we should not stop short of the fullness of His work. When we seek Him, the Lord will continually put His finger on areas in need of His touch. As He does, we then turn towards Him in repentance. This is growing in holiness and righteousness.
I am encouraged by Ephesians 6:10 – We are to be strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might. We aren’t meant to attain in the flesh what began in the Spirit. We aren’t meant to grit our teeth and crucify our flesh on our own. In our own power, we will fail often, then become weary and discouraged. Sanctification is a process of positioning ourselves to receive the Lord’s transforming power.
Let’s echo Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17:19: “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”
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Listen and be encouraged by the words of Paul.
Philippians 4:9 – The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you.
1 Peter 5:2-3 – Shepherd the flock of God which is among you…being examples to the flock.
1 Corinthians 4:16 – Therefore, I urge you, imitate me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 – Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
Philippians 3:17 – Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who do walk, as you have us for a pattern.