Please tell me I am not alone! It is truly my heart's desire to raise my children to grow to know and love the Lord, and to grow to be more like Jesus. I want to take everyday moments and teach them Biblical truths. However, I find my parenting has focused more on trying to get them to stop doing sinful behaviors (losing their temper, not sharing, being unkind, using harsh words, etc.) instead of teaching them why these behaviors are wrong. My own sin nature gets in the way, and I lose my patience instead of using these times to teach them about our Savior.
Maybe in the heat of the moment you are able to recall verses with ease that deal with the issue on hand. However, I need a little help! At the end of this post is a link to an online document. Over the past few weeks as I have been a mulling over trying to raise my children to be Godly, I have begun to compile verses that deal with sinful behaviors in my home (ex. anger, not sharing, whining, fear, using ugly words, being unkind, not listening, etc.). I have compiled a spreadsheet that I have posted on my refrigerator, so that in the moment, I can easily point them to God's word.
I truly believe Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.". Only the Word of God is capable of changing the hearts and minds of my children to make them more like Jesus! I am praying that God uses this tool to keep my children, and myself, in tune with His desires for our life!
If you think this tool would be helpful, please feel free to download it and post it in your home too: Click here to download!
