That I might not sin against You

Scripture is an amazing thing. What an blessed treasure it is to hold God's Word in our hands and read it with our own eyes. What an incredible thing to have the answers in life! Yet I know that I too often waste so much of my time, thoughts and energy on things that have no value instead of grasping onto that which offers me real life.

One of the greatest blessings of motherhood has been the ability to teach the Bible to my children. We started working on memory verses with Lydia as soon as she could utter some words. Back when Bethany was still a bald little thing she would walk around saying over and over, "Children OBEY!". I'm fully convinced that the greatest good I can do in my children's lives is to instill a love for the Lord and His word in their hearts.

We  have now started memory charts ( I'm a huge chart/list person!) where the girls can see and track their progress. They are nothing fancy. In fact they are rather beat up (thanks to a little sister's drawing, licking, pulling etc.).

While I'm convinced this is good for my girls, I've been amazed at the challenge it's brought to my own life! These "simple" verses that we've chosen to help shape our daughters are just as powerful in convicting me!

Psalm 103:8~ The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love.

 

Compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Yup. I need serious work done in all of those areas of my life.

 

Colossians 3:23~ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.

 

Whatever you do. Whatever you do. Whatever you do. Even washing dishes, or folding laundry, or changing diapers, or, or, or.... I find it so much easier to remind my children of this one then to truly carry it out myself.

 

James 4:17~ Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it sins.

 

This is one we just don't like to think about. It makes me uncomfortable at least! But that's a good thing. I have no desire to be comfortable. Just as I want to challenge my girls and make them powerful for the Lord, that's the desire for my life as well. Instead of trying to avoid thinking about "the good I know I ought to do", maybe I should just do it and stop sinning!

 

You moms (and dads I suppose!), I urge you; Start memorizing scripture with your children. Let it soak into you. If you need inspiration, read through Psalm 119 and beg for King David's heart for the Word. Your children are more than capable. In fact, they are amazing at it! And I promise you, it will reap much fruit. Not only in their lives, but yours as well!