All of us would like to think that we could be the model family… Unfortunately, most of us aren’t. Does it have to be that way?
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LIfegroup discussion questions below the break!
What’s your model?
What kind of parental model(s) did you have when you were growing up? Were they positive, or negative? Why?
What are one or two things that were modeled for you that you would prefer NOT to model for your own kids? Is this hard? Why?
What are one or two things that were modeled for you that you WOULD prefer to model for your own kids? Is this hard? Why?
Paul’s parental instructions are succinct, yet powerful…
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
On Sunday, we talked about the purpose of discipline is to “draw in, not to push away.” How easy or how hard is that? What does that look like?
What does this following passage mean for us as parents?
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
On Sunday, we also talked about the fact that our children will see God through the lens of us as parents. WE will heavily influence their perspective on who God is. How true is this? How has that affected your own life?
The writer of Hebrews alluded to this fact.
We have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:9-11
Four modeling tips.
Here are four things we each can and should do to model Christ to our children. Do you have tips of your own to add?
1. Know WHO you are modeling
The better you know HIM, the closer you can model him. Practice a lifestyle of repentance. Be immersed in His Word. Be an example to your family by loving God and The Church.
2. Pray for your family daily
You pray for what is urgently important in your life. Are you praying for their salvation? Are you praying for your child’s future husband or wife? Are you praying that they will be a testimony at school?
3. Spend quality time regularly
You will always make time for what is important. Not just dragging your kids around from one activity to another, but really listening and investing into them.
4. Talk openly with your family frequently
Kids want to know that they can hear from you, and that you are willing to hear from them.