This scripture has been pulsing through my veins lately and I can feel the Lord’s jealousy every time I read it.
“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 19:14
I’ll be honest with you.
If I’m not connecting with God everyday,
if He’s not the treasure of my heart, and if I’m not abiding in Him, my kids naturally follow suit.
BUT, if I AM connecting with God everyday,
if He IS the treasure of my heart, and if I AM abiding in Him, my kids naturally follow suit.
My actions can either hinder my children from knowing Jesus or my actions can lead my children to knowing Jesus.
Mothers have the most precious gift on this side of eternity. We get to introduce our children to the One who gives eternal life.
When you look throughout scripture you’ll see an emphasis on parents teaching, reminding and bringing their children to Jesus.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words that I give you
today. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you’re at home or away, when you lie down or get up. Write them down, and tie them around your wrist, and wear them as headbands as a reminder. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your
gates.”—Deuteronomy 6:5-9
“Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at
home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and
when you are getting up.”—Deuteronomy 11:19
“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could
lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded
the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said,
“Let the children come
to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to
those who are like these children.” —Matthew 19:13-15
Making the things of God known to our children was not meant solely for a weekly Sunday school class. It was meant to be a lifestyle. It was meant to be ALL consuming. It is discipleship.
Inviting God into the day to day is normal. Our children’s hearts will expand in love for God as we invite Him into EVERYTHING.
The rising sun, the plants that grow, the snow that falls, the hairs on their little heads, all show our children the beauty and love of God. We just need to make them aware of it. Aware that it’s all from and sustained by God, that He delights in them, that there is joy in nearness to Jesus and that He’s the purpose for it all.
You can’t exhaust the opportunities that surround us in making Him known. We get to do this! Initiating conversations about Jesus, teaching Bible stories, looking for Gospel lessons in the every day mundane, playing worshiping and dancing in the presence of God.
You may feel weak, and inadequate, but God trusts in His ability to lead you.
I want to give mothers a holy exhortation. Mothers, you are messengers!
You are preparing the way of the Lord.
You are raising image bearers of God.
Your children belong to God and mothers, it’s your duty to make Him known to them.
You are raising possible prophets and evangelists (never once does their identity come from what they do but does God have a plan and purpose for their life? Yes, He does).
You are raising lovers of the King, friends of God, and those who will stand for truth and righteousness in a corrupt world.
It’s not an option. It’s your responsibility. Parents were designed to disciple their children, and Mama, you were made for this! I smile as I write these words because what a privilege we have in the kingdom of God. He’ll catch us in our weakness and cover us with mercy when we fall. He is Lord of it all.
Would God put a holy fire within your bones and a zeal in your heart. This is your job. This is your honor. This is your calling. God is with you! I’m cheering you on! I’m in this with you! Let’s go Mama’s. We have a generation to disciple!
you are loved, Amanda
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