The Impact You Have On Your Children

Your Children Are Watching

It is interesting to watch my children. I am amazed by the things they do. I am proud when they do good but I am disappointed when they do bad. I have watched my children grow up and do the things they have seen me do. I heard my six year old son say, "Dad that TV is just junk." I have watched all my children grow and become very uncomfortable when anything inappropriate comes on the television. They either change the channel or try not to watch. This makes me proud as a father. On the other hand there have been some flaws in my life I have also seen my children adopt. This is really discouraging as a father knowing they learned it from me.

They Repeat Actions

This really makes me realize how much of an impact I have on my children. They observe and they repeat. This is why we must be a great example if we want our children to be a great example. If you want them to know God you must teach them. If you want them to attend worship, you must take them.

Statistics That Speak Loud

A study once disclosed that if both Mom and Dad attend church regularly, 72% of their children remain faithful. If only Dad, 55% remain faithful. If only Mom, 15%. If neither attended regularly, only 6% remain faithful. The statistics speak for themselves.

The Result When Children Are Not Raised Properly

We read in 1 Samuel 2:12, Eli had two worthless sons that did not know the Lord. Though Eli was one of the judges spoken of in the Bible, he did a miserable job raising his children. Eli hears of his children's wickedness and has a talk with them. They would not listen to the voice of their father, and the Lord desired to put them to death (1 Samuel 2:25). We see God's attitude when it comes to wickedness. As parents we must take this into account. We must recognize this and train our children to know God. The stats above are powerful, we must be consistent in teaching our children about the Lord. Paul said in 2 Thessalonians 1:8 "In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." We must teach our children so that they are not like Eli's sons who died without knowing the Lord. Remember your children are watching, make sure you do the things you want them to repeat.