May 8, 2022

                                                                                                              Family Matters: Children

 Jonathan Falwell and Dr. John Maxwell

                                                                                                                                         May 08, 2022

Do you have a habit—either good or bad—that you have noticed has been passed on to one of your children—intentionally or inadvertently? Can you share?

As we continue our series on Family Matters, we welcome Dr. John Maxwell to share the podium with Pastor Falwell today. We will examine the subject of our precious children, and how we are teaching them the values we want them to learn. We must be aware of the impact our actions have on them, as Dr. Maxwell informed us that 89% of what children do is what they have seen. Therefore, we parents need to determine what they are learning from our actions. He suggests five goals that should be the main focus for any Christian parents.

Focal Passages: Ephesians 5:1-2 and 6:1-4

Faith

  • Read Romans 3:23 and 6:23. Why is it so important we teach our children about God? What do we mean when we say God doesn’t have “grandchildren”? Why should one’s life be committed to Christ?
  • Read Prov. 22:6. What is the best way to teach a child how to love God?
  • If what you do is going to be copied by your children in their actions, what are some precepts we can live by that will turn their hearts toward God?

Responsibility

  • What are some of the areas of life in which we wish our children to learn responsibility? How can you teach them to be forgiving, and to be humble? How can you teach them to finish what they start, and to have a good work ethic? Do these things “just happen” as they grow? Why or why not?
  • List the areas in your own life that you have not yet conquered. What are your children learning? What would happen if you sat down with them and discussed this?

Relationships

  • Read Eph. 6:1-4. This is the first relationship that your child will have after birth. Why is it so important? Fathers, why does God specifically point to you that you not anger your child?
  • Read Matt. 22:37-39. Why is it so important that you learn to love others and put them before your own desires? How can you teach your children to do this?
  • When you have messed up before your children, do you tell them you’re sorry, and ask their forgiveness? Why or why not? What is so important about transparency? 

Attitude

  • Read Gal. 5:22-23. Why is attitude so very important? Think of your own life: are you pleased when something is done for or given to you, but the attitude is all wrong? Why does it bother you? Is God different?
  • Read Col. 3:15 and Phil. 4:11. What is contagious about a great attitude? What does that teach our children?

Generosity

  • Read Prov. 11:25, 2 Cor. 9:6, and 1 Tim. 6:18. What does the Bible teach about giving and generosity?
  • What is the principle that is taught over and over in Scripture about giving? What are some ways we can foster a love for giving in our children or grandchildren?

Close:

If you did not hear today’s sermon, please go back and watch it. You will miss a huge blessing if you haven’t heard it, as it’s not possible to include a complete message in a Group study. The advice Dr. Maxwell gives for raising healthy Christian children is unparalleled and we hope you are able to watch it and internalize it.

If you have older children, you may feel you have blown it, and should give up. No! Start over! Dr. Maxwell stressed that there is no time like the present to sit down with your children, admit your faults, and ask them to help you live as you should. Huge credibility is lost when we don’t model a love for Christ and for others, so ask their forgiveness, and begin immediately.                                                                                                                                                                   

Here are some jewels from the message:                                                                                                                                       

 You don’t have to win every battle! There are no perfect parents. It is always important to be open with your children, so they can come to you about anything. Take responsibility for your actions, show humility, and be accountable. It’s impossible for us to have great dreams for our children if our life is a nightmare. Everything valuable is an uphill task—hopes, dreams, etc.—if you have downhill habits. You don’t accidentally go uphill, you must be intentional! The dream is free, but the journey isn’t. Model habits that help your kids see what a committed life looks like. Good intentions are a waste because they never begin. Understand it’s never too late to start. Engage children in serving in Christian activities—expose them to service for Christ. You develop great Christian children by being a great Christian parent! Transformation happens because of what we do, not what we say.  Concerning generosity, we are to be rivers, not reservoirs. AND, WE TEACH WHAT WE KNOW, BUT WE REPRODUCE WHAT WE ARE!

 

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