At a recent Gospel meeting, one sermon made a particular point on family relationships and the importance of children seeing that their parents love Jesus.  As the lesson continued, a nagging question begged for an answer. “How does one let their children ‘see’ that their parents love Jesus?”  I don’t think anyone will argue that our children, for the most part, adopt much of who and what they are and will become, from their parents.  Mind you, I said “much”, not “all”, and that being said, if we want our children to love Jesus, it stands to reason that if we do, they will be more likely to as well.

Again with the question, “How do we show our children we love Jesus?”  I hope that we don’t assume it will come about solely by our attendance in worship on Sunday morning.  As always, the best source of guidance is God’s word, so let’s search the scriptures.  Jesus tells His disciples that if they “love Him” they will keep His commandments. (John 14:15)  Compare that to, “Why call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say.” (Luke 6:46) Even the most basic review of Gospel accounts result in a number of Jesus’ sayings that are to be ‘done’…  Evaluating our lives by these, can our children conclude that we love Jesus?  Let your light shine… that God may be glorified; love one another, as I have loved you; love your enemies and do good to those who hate you; go and show mercy (compassion) to your neighbor; lay up for yourself treasures in heaven; do not judge; render unto Caesar what is his and to God what is His…  These are but a few things Jesus said for us to do.  Are they evident in our lives as result of our love for Jesus?   If so, perhaps our children will follow our lead and love Him as well.  If not, realize we have the ability to shape the future.  Allow the love “of Christ” to become our “love for Christ” and watch it become visible in our lives and the lives of our children.

Copyright © 2008, Nolan P. Rutter