I was recently conducting a conference and received this question,
“What would your kids say you did as a family that was most impactful for them in terms of their love for Christ?”
I was speechless. I had no idea. I evaluate my parenting all the time by talking with them as adults. But I had never asked them this question. So during the break I quickly texted them. Here were their answers to that question.
- Consistency in the church, through giving, discipleship, and taking responsibility for sin.
In your own moments of sin in front of us, coming back and apologizing, showing the importance of humility and vulnerability even within parenting.
- Living out your faith and seeing how it informed every area of your life. Making tangible time/money sacrifices to show it was real to you.
- Making it clear that what you thought mattered wasn’t just the outward expressions or rule following but a real relationship with Jesus.
- I would say memorizing scripture really helped me know and be changed by scripture.
- Seeing you and Mom live out the word – loving others, open home, resolving conflict, talking about the “why” behind everything you did.
- You and Mom were intentional and communicated about why you did things (for the most part) and the other times said “Do this, because I said so” which often was followed by “I love you and am doing what’s best for you.”
- And seeing Mom do private devotions regularly in the morning.
- Modeling it by your personal study and family devotions or praying on the way to church etc.
I was so moved that when I read the answers later to that conference I got choked up.
I never ever want to present my family as a perfect family. I have PLENTY of things I would go back and do differently. And I never plan to put my kids on stage. They have their own walks with Christ and will give an account of themselves.
Nevertheless, I thought you might like to hear from them in their own words. Did you catch what came up again and again? A parent’s own walk with God.
If you are in the midst of parenting, keep pressing on!
