Out of the Mouths of Babes

Proverbs 22:6 "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

There have been many times in my life as a parent I have often wondered if my son, soon to be 6, truly grasps the concept of Jesus Christ. I have always tried to teach him that Christ needs to be first in our lives and how important it is to have some time with Christ every day.

We have two particular times a day we spend with our children in prayer and learning about God and His Word on a regular daily basis. We also have numerous other occasions to show our children about the Lord and how to honor Him in our daily lives. You know these opportunities as every day consistency, however, we don't always realize that those 'normal' activities are not so normal to others in today's society. These normal activities are simple things, such as, praying before a meal, praying over your child when he/she is ill, speaking in a manner that is godly, being kind and loving to your spouse and reading God's Word. Our children see all of these things in our home, but, they never see these things with TV, video games, movies and books.

It is my sincere concern that our children see us in our normal everyday activities that honor the Lord MORE than they see what tv, video games, movies, books, school, etc. has for them. If we aren't teaching our children by example, then our own children tend to revert to what they have learned from other people and things.

In the back of my mind I have often wondered if I am doing a decent job of showing my children what is right and wrong. We have all heard the saying 'out of the mouths of babes' and I am sure we all have a story we can share that would relate to that very saying. Today, I not only heard from one of my own babes mouths, but at the same time was reminded about God's truth.

My son currently attends half days of kindergarten and comes home in time for us to eat lunch together. Today as we were eating lunch, I was deep in thought about things that were troubling me about our nations current crises and all the things I am trying to get ready at our church for Veteran's Recognition Sunday, Deacon Ordination Service, Thanksgiving Service, Christmas Programs, etc., when I let out a deep sigh. My son, who is very aware of others feelings and has a sincere concern for people, immediately asked me, "Mommy, what's wrong?" "Oh, I'm just thinking about important things that are going on right now." Out of the mouth of my precious babe, "Mommy, nothing is more important than God!"

Needless to say, tears sprung up in my eyes. Now these were not tears of disappointment or sadness, but tears of joy and of being proud of my son for remembering that even mommy's sometimes forget God is the most important thing, not our nation, not our Sunday Services, not our house cleaning, not our computers, not our jobs. Our Lord God Almighty is the most important.

Now don't misread my heart here. I understand these things are important, but, it only takes one comment from the mouth of my precious babe to remind me of the MOST important. I am immediately reminded of Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." These words from the book of Matthew in God's Word reminds me that once we have our concerns put into order of importance, with GOD always at the top, our burdens become light and God takes care of the rest.

With our nation and local elections being tomorrow, I honestly feel it is important for each of us to remember that God is still the most important 'thing.'

By no means does that excuse us from voting, we still have to do our part. We still need to read about each of the candidates and ask ourselves what are those candidates priorities and their morals. What are their plans for our nation and for our local government and schools. Do those plans line up with God's plan? We then need to get out their and vote our convictions. Always remembering to keep our votes aligned with God as the most important!

Verses for today:
Proverbs 22:6
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Numbers 25:13
He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."
Deuteronomy 26:19
He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.
1 Samuel 2:30
"Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I promised that your house and your father's house would minister before me forever.' But now the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.

2 Chronicles 1:10-12

10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 11 God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, 12 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."

Thought for today:
Who or what is truly most important in my life?

Song for today:
"My Jesus"
Todd Agnew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JltX8zGG0PU
Powerful song inspired by "The Passion" movie.