Think Orange

Peter Dubbelman
Family Life/Administrative Pastor

The below two scriptures provide excellent lenses from which to view what God wants from parents.

Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed (Psa 112:1-2)

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deut 6:6-7)

Did you notice the four sections found in Deut 6:6-7: sitting at home, walking along the road, bed time, and morning time? The purpose of each one of the below items is to give ideas on how a parent can build faith in the home:

• Meal Time: when you sit at home, teach core values. Sit down as a family and regularly eat a meal. Use this time to listen, talk, and create family unity.

• Drive Time: wherever you are going (to school, work, etc.) and however you are doing it (car, feet, etc.) as you go interpret life to your child and where possible interact with the world (like the good Samaritan) so that they can see a godly example.

• Bed Time: when you lie down, counsel your child by listening to their heart. Take this time to also pray with them.

• Morning Time: when you get up, are you spending time with God? Unless you model this dynamic for your family your children will never catch on. Explain to your kids, by words and example, that your quiet time sets the priorities for the rest of your day.