Col. 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Here is a command that has been given to you and I. Christians who follow
God’s commands show that they are committed to His Word. Therefore, they
live by a different value system, a set of standards unlike that of the
world. In this verse, the Lord has communicated to us that which should
be most important in our lives. We ought not be in the habit of living
as we used to if we are truly born-again! God would have us center our
attention on the splendor of another world… How have your values changed
since the day of your salvation? Are you heavenly minded? Does your life
demonstrate respect for the Lord’s commands?
Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
A child of God should seek to please their heavenly Father and perform
that which is commanded of them. Our obedience to God helps prove the
reality of our salvation to others! Through His Word, the Lord seeks to
transfer His value system to our hearts. As we entirely embrace heavenly
priorities, we can better influence others. Think about it, Mom… Are you
allowing your children to freely choose their own values or are you deliberately
and consistently instilling godly values into their lives?
1 Cor. 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Whether you realize it or not, your children will detect what is most
important to you. As they listen to you talk with your friends, they notice.
As they observe your relationship with their father, they discern. The
thing that excites you or brings satisfaction also distinguishes your
values. How you spend your free time and your money speaks clearly as
well! Your method of rewards, praise, and discipline equally convey what
is most important to you. What you read, listen to on the radio, and watch
on television are other examples of what you value. Ladies, even our facial
features and tone of voice transfer our values to our children faster
than anything else ever will! Are you guilty of giving your offspring
a weak dose of godly values?? Is your testimony before them one that points
their affections toward things above or in the direction of things on
the earth? Are you illustrating how to live soberly, godly and righteously
in this present world? You see ladies, that which your children follow
after is that which they have learned to value! Consider whether your
conduct is as close to Christ’s as it should be and lead such a life as
they ought to live!
Col. 3:1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
So dear mother, if there are some godly virtues that are absent in your
character, they will be absent in the life of your children as well –
unless you decide to do something about it right away! There are two dispositions
in this life – spirit and flesh. Which one governs you? Romans 8:8 says
that they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Consequently, without
divine values in place, God will not be happy with us… I hope you have
been challenged today to strictly seek those things which are above, otherwise
your children will be filled with their own ways and will be of minor
influence to a lost and dying world. Learn to hold loosely that which
is not eternal and you will gain hold of all that matters.
Oh, parents; have you stopped to think
You hold a sacred place?
That child of yours; will he thank God
You told him of God's grace?
Or will the future have to be,
Where is my child today:
Because you had no thought of God,
You lived for self your way.
You did not do things very bad,
You had no time to pray.
You do have time for worldly things
But none for God today.
You lead your child the way you go,
For self at any cost;
Then find out when it is too late
Your child and you are lost.
How comforting it is to know
You taught your child to pray,
To read the blessed Word of God
And live for God each day.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2002 Pamela A. Iannello
