I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 Timothy 1:5 NLT
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 NLT
Think about what you learned at home. You learned the basics of taking care of your personal needs and what things the people who raised you thought were important about keeping house. Maybe you learned how to ride a bike, shoot a gun, or take care of animals. Those who raised you didn’t necessarily decide to teach you all those things, but you learned by observation, by just being part of life in your home. That’s the way it is most of the time. We teach a few things that are really important to us on purpose, but most of our teaching comes naturally, passed on by the way we live. For example, you learned about handling conflict, expressing love, and dealing with pressure. You got your expectations and suspicions of people different from you, your idea of what kind of language is permissible to use in conversation, belief about the value of money, the value of your work ethic – when you arrive at age 18 and enter the world of adulthood, you have an entire education in your mind and worldview. It’s true for every one of us.
Of course, the best way to instruct our children is with great intentionality. Well-spoken, heartfelt words are wonderful, but they will never substitute for well-lived purpose-driven lives. Timothy, Paul’s young mentee for the future, was prepared to be a dynamic force in the early church because of the lives his grandmother and mother lived with him. We have the privilege of shaping our own lives to shape the lives of the people God has given us. What are some of the most important ways we can shape lives at home to help them have a fulfilling life with God and people? Daily routines – from meals to cleaning – become holy ground for cultivating love, service, and obedience to God. It is a place for learning the habits of grace, patience, and truth-keeping, transforming ordinary acts into worship. Let them watch us serve willingly, display humility, guard our tongues, and practice gratitude. Teach them by example that words have lasting consequences – verbal or digital. Shape them to be accountable and able to apologize well; forgive easily. Showing compassion and kindness is better than comparing and competition in all of life. Show that them every single detail of life is important to God. Illustrate the kind of love God has for them by the quality of love we display.
- Lord, thank You for the hearts that live within my home. Teach me to cultivate an atmosphere of love, truth, and humility where trusting You comes naturally.