Marriage, Family, and Beyond - Raising Kids to Live Fully – Genuineness Over Artificiality

I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Mark 10:15

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. 1 John 1:1-4

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:26-27

‍Today's thoughts from today's verses:

We want our children to come to faith in Christ so that they will experience redemption. Redemption is God washing away our sin in order to make us fitting habitats for His presence. As redeemed ones with Christ living within our hearts, we enjoy an intimate relationship with the God of the universe that is filled with love, worship, faith, and dependence. Out of this relationship comes personal transformation and an outflow of life that blesses everyone around us. James above points to some of the things that become true of such a person: a bridled tongue, offering care to those in need, and overcoming worldliness. When our practice doesn’t match what we profess, we interfere with our kids coming to Jesus just as surely as the disciples did so very long ago. However, when our kids see the reality of our redemption, our relationship with Christ, and genuine religious practice flowing from our transformed lives, it will go a long way toward them having a faith of their own.

Today's prayer response from today's thoughts:

Lord, I want to be the real deal. Help me to be genuine through and through, so that I truly walk the talk. May your people everywhere live fully for you. Surely, we owe it to the next generation. Glorify yourself through us, Lord.  Amen!