From; Brenda Walsh Ministries

Learning by Example.

When parents teach their children to love Jesus, they take them to church, read character-building books, restrict violent programs on television, teach them to pray, and all the other usual things parents do to help kids learn about God. But the most effective way to teach children about God, is to teach by example! You can read them the entire Bible, but unless they see Jesus in “you,” they won't truly believe. When a crisis strikes, do your children see you crying, complaining, and angry, or do they see you turn to Jesus for help, with full faith and confidence that He has everything under control? When something wonderful happens, do you immediately praise Jesus? Children learn by example and seeing faith work in your life shows them that God is real and He is with you through the ups and downs, not just in the good times. It teaches kids that having a relationship with God is the only way to deal with life’s problems, and that no matter what, He is with them always. The Bible says in Titus 2:7, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.” And in 1 Timothy 4:12, we’re told, “Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Be an example to your children by letting them see you thanking God for the good times, and turning to Him “first” when trouble strikes, letting them see firsthand what a real relationship with God is like! Text: Proverbs 22:6, Isaiah 54:13, Colossians 3:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17