The Gifts We Give Our Children

In the introduction to the Titus Two Series I made the following statement:

"Living in a way that obeys God's instructions to us as women will produce an environment in which our families will thrive and in the process we give gifts to our children that have eternal blessings."

The Bible clearly states that the way we show God that we love Him is by obeying His words.

(John 14: 15, 21, and 23)

The simple fact that we obey God teaches our children, by example, to be mindful of the word of God and to be obedient to the word of God. In Titus 2: 3-5 the word of God instructs women specifically. We have a mandate from God to us directly. What are some of the gifts we give our children by our purposeful submission to His will in these scriptures?

HOW WE TALK

Being a woman who carefully orders her words and speaks with wisdom is a beautiful thing to behold. We are not to be gossips or slanderers. Obeying God in our speech shows our children how to be an encourager, with a gentle spirit. We model grace and instruct how to be self controlled; not by a lengthy lecture but by demonstration. Our children will follow our lead.

This is a valuable gift.

HOW WE LOVE

Studies show that the way we love our children sets them up for the rest of their lives and will impact their future relationships.

The gift of purposeful attention, attachment, care, interest, and touch sets a firm foundation.

(A great resource on this is the book, "How We Love Our Children" by Milan and Kay Yerkovich)

HOW WE THINK

Being able to take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ shows our children how to work through situations from a biblical perspective. It is a great gift to our children when we help them work through problems by sharing with them the point of view God has. The gift of a critically thinking mind is invaluable!

HOW WE WORK

When we work as unto the Lord we model honesty, loyalty, work ethic, sacrifice, and honor. Children who experience this and are held to this standard in their own lives will grow to be givers. They will value the quality of the sacrificial servant. What a great gift!

HOW WE FOLLOW

When we align ourselves correctly under the benevolent authority of our Lord we teach submission. Holding God up as the ultimate authority in our homes will set our children up for success. The gift of proper authority will help our children be great people, citizens, and ultimately they will make Jesus the Lord of their lives as well.

Our children may not accept all these gifts right away. Everyone needs to find their own way and this sometimes takes time and maturity. Often adult children come back to the foundation set in their earlier lives. Take heart! The lessons taught by your obedience to the Lord will not be in vein! Even if your children don't grasp these things immediately, there is still glory and value in your labor of love to God and your children!