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Sharing God Through Our Relationships
by Elizabeth Marks This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 NKJV Back in the New Testament times, the gospel was shared from person to person through real life situations. It wasnt broadcast on TV, radio and the internet for those things werent invented yet. But Gods Word was moving, nonetheless. Today, although we have many new technological methods of communicating, the best way to share Gods Word is still through a person to person connection. The power of relationship is strong. Depending on the kind of relationship, that power can be used for good or for evil. Looking at Timothys life we see his mother and grandmother play key roles in his spiritual development. In 2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV Paul says when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. This tells us Timothy has been instructed in Gods Word from childhood. He had role models to watch as he grew. In our own relationships, especially with our children, we need to pass on what we know about God and faith. Teaching our children the things of God, so when they are older they will pass it on to their children and their children will teach their own children, and so on. However, to pass on Gods Word we must first know it ourselves. Look at Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.. So what are some practical ideas for teaching our children? Heres a few I use. See if they work for you: 1) Before bedtime, read a devotional and talk about afterwards. 2) Use every day occurrences to teach children how to pray. 3) Go to church on a regular basis, so your children learn from others about God as well. 4) Tell your children how God is moving in your life. Every time God answers your prayers, share it with your kids. In conclusion, we are all commanded to share what we know about God with others. Why not start today? Teach your children now, so when they are older they wont depart from it. Copyright Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions, has a heart for encouraging believers with God's Word. Please visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com for more devotions, bible studies, book reviews and more! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |