Guest post by etiquette expert, Robin Glover and author of Dressing the Heart: A Parent's Guide to Everyday Etiquette (Volume 1)
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11: 6-7
The Bible clearly presents the characteristic of faith and faithfulness as being of utmost worth and importance to God. Faith, according to the word of God, is the substance of things hoped for,the evidence of things not seen. This is a model and type for our whole life as Christians. We who are saved by grace, through faith in Christ alone, are to live lives that are characterized by faithfulness. Faith does not give up. Faith hopes and holds on. Faith looks to God the Author and Finisher of our faith for direction and salvation–not only unto eternal life–but daily.
Listen to Jeremiah’s observance in the book of Lamentations, he writes,
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
This Scripture passage again clarifies the importance of faithfulness to the people of God. Faithfulness is an attribute of God. Godly character will long to emulate our heavenly Father’s commitment to His Word and promises. The faithful person is reliable,consistent,trustworthy and one who lives out his or her convictions.
Faithfulness is taught by example and it must be modeled. As you go through your day, look for teaching moments during which you can stress the importance of being reliable. If you tell your child you will do something for or with him or her–do it. Even if you’re too tired it is important that your child see faith in action. This dedication to Christ and to Christ-likeness is crucial. Try to think biblically when you do make plans with your child and this will ease the strain. Remember the Bible discourages us from saying what we will and will not do, but to instead acknowledge the sovereignty of God by adding– if the Lord wills. Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ This consistency will go a long way toward teaching faithfulness as well.
Faithfulness is taught through testimonies. One reading through the New Testament book of Hebrews (chapter 11) will encourage both you and your child in your dedication to faith. The diligent ones named here are inspiring. Abel who offered up a more excellent sacrifice than Cain was declared righteous by God (vs4) the Word shares that although he is dead his testimony still speaks. Enoch, was translated and never saw death (according to verse 5) because he had the testimony of one who pleased God. Noah, being a righteous man, heeded God’s warning and because he reverenced God, moved in faith, and prepared an ark of salvation unto his family. He too has a testimony as righteous. Abraham, was called of God to go in faith to a place where he should receive and inheritance and in faithfulness he obeyed, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob. He too was accounted as righteous and faithful. And let’s not forget Sarah, who conceived through faith even in her old age because, the Bible records, she judged Him faithful who had promised (verse 11). A Bible study on the book of Hebrews would be an amazing way to instill a deep understanding and love for the character trait of faithfulness as you endeavor to mold children who stand in faith and who persevere even in times of uncertainty, testing and trial.Scriptures about Faithfulness
The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’s anointed.’ 1 Samuel 26:23
‘Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.’ Psalm 36:5
‘I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.‘ Psalm 40:10
‘I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.’ Psalm 89:1
Discussion Time
As parents perhaps one of our sincerest desires is to know and see that our children are walking with the Lord. Faithfulness is a character trait upon which you and your family will be able to build a firm foundation of faithful and righteous (through Christ) hearts, which will then manifest itself in a life of obedience to the will of God in all things. Remember that the Scriptures teach ‘As a man thinketh, so he is.’ Our character is always a heart issue. Transform the heart and the behavior will follow. Here are some principles to discuss as you shepherd your child into a lifestyle of faithfulness to God, to you, to his/her family members, teachers and friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment