Susan Alexander Yates offers us scriptural guidelines for influencing our kids. (If you’re not a parent, why not use these points to help you have a positive influence on the children in your family or community.) 1) Reach out to non-Christians. If you want kids to grow in faith, expose them to people who need faith. God called us to be ‘salt and light’ (see Matthew 5:13-16), but that won’t happen if you spend all your free time with fellow believers. Plus, kids are more likely to reach out to others when they see it modelled at home. Befriend someone who is not a believer, like a neighbour, a co-worker, a teacher or coach, or your hairstylist. Reaching out can feel scary, but when you risk it, God will work through you in exciting ways. 2) Model gratitude. No one enjoys a whiny kid, including God. And when we appreciate Him, it delights His heart. ‘Children…learn…from their parents’; they pick up on your attitude. Your mood fills the atmosphere of your home, and if you whine, they’re more likely to complain. When you dwell on the negative, they learn to focus on what’s lacking. 3) Make time for your spouse. We get busy with kids, jobs, and church activities, and we think we will spend time with our spouse when things calm down. The problem is – they never do. Don’t let the weeds of so-called important things choke your relationship. Nurture it; look for ways to bring you and your spouse closer. Start with a weekly date. Your kids’ security is based on knowing you love them, and it soars when they know you love each other! The Bible says, ‘Wise children become proud parents’ (Proverbs 23:24 MSG). You’re raising the next generation, and they need to know a happy marriage takes time and effort.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.