“CHARACTER-BUILDING”

8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

Philippians 4:8

Yesterday’s blog reminded us that Christian parents are entrusted to teach God’s word to their children. Here’s the first our first reason why parents should encourage their kids to read the Bible:

Their character will be built.

For the most part, our character is the sum of all the things that we are taught. So whatever we see, or hear, and whatever we fill our heads with, that’s what we ultimately become.

For this reason, our kids need to fill their minds with Scripture and understand what it means. This way, their minds will be aware of the good things God wants them to remember.

Parenting in our generation poses a different kind of challenge. Many 21st-century moms and dads are career-oriented, which means they spend little to no time with their kids. While they are busy working, they ask others to look after their little ones. Unfortunately, this absence often leads to the kids lacking moral values. During the formative years of children, they should be learning basic morality from their parents. However, since their mom and dad are away, they do not receive critical life lessons. For this reason, they develop inappropriate behavior, failing to draw the line between right and wrong.

The formation of a person’s character starts with his mind. And the Bible teaches us that we can control what we think. Now if we want what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and excellent things, we parents have to invest time and effort in teaching the Bible to our kids. But more than just teaching, we have to model Christlikeness. We should show them that Jesus is the perfect example of right living. The Lord Jesus is our model of humility, service, compassion, and love. Now, in the pages of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—we can see the very character of God through Jesus. When our kids get to know Jesus on a personal level, they will definitely want to be like Him.

Are you pointing your kids to the Lord Jesus?

Pursue the Savior today!