Stop! Identify Yourself

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good works he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

The most important thing we can do for the next generation is ensure they know their identity.  There are so many different influences in children’s lives, but none as powerful as parents. The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 22:6  “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.”  In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, the Bible states, “And these words which I command you today shall remain in your hearts. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise.”

How can we expect our children to know who they are and  how much God loves them if we don’t tell them? We spend so much time thinking we have to give them all the things we didn’t have growing up. But none of that will matter if they aren’t secure in understanding they are loved by a God who chose them before they were formed in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5).

Thinking of my past, I know that there would have been less searching and making poor decisions if I had discerned my value in the eyes of the Father.  I would not have turned to people, looking for validation and approval, because I would have recognized that it is only something God can give. We have such a short opportunity to really help our children and teenagers grasp hold of the power in being a child of God.  That the equipping of the Holy Spirit provides all the resources we need to walk in this world.  A small window of time to teach them that the word of God is living and active. It protects and provides wisdom for today, tomorrow, and all the days they will remain on earth.  Help them to stop and identify themselves by the eyes of our loving Father and know what His word says about them. Amen.