ON DISPLAY
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NLT
Theme: Live authentically in front of your kids or whoever is following you; talk about your faith, choices, and relationship with God. Let your devotion show consistently.
FIRST
Building a home starts with a foundation. God gave us a firm foundation in the words of the Ten Commandments. Many have read and memorized them. Humans tend to dismiss the Commandments they feel they are not guilty of or would never do anyway. God’s commandments can never be disregarded. Let's take one as an example: “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13, ESV). You may think, “I'm ok with that one,” but 1 John 3:15a, NKJV, says, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer.” The other Commandments are like that as well. Every word in His Word is essential and holy.
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
We may as well get this out in the open: You are not, and will never be, a perfect parent. And your kids will never be perfect kids, either. There is only one perfect Parent, God the Father, and one perfect Kid, the Son of God. And you will need the help of both (Father and Son) and the Holy Spirit to help you raise your kids. We've all heard the saying: Kids don't come with instructions. But actually, they do. God’s Holy Word is our book of instructions, directions, to-do's and what not to do, from the first word in Genesis to the last word in Revelations.
Children are like sponges and they tend to imitate what they see and hear. That's kind of scary, but true. They will most likely pick up at least some of your habits, likes and dislikes, and attitudes. Galatians 5:22-23 has your back, with the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Then, when you fall short (and you will), Proverbs 28:13 tells us to confess our sins and failures and receive mercy.
For instance: the family is in the car, and someone cuts you off; you’ve lost your temper and just tossed patience, kindness, and self-control out of the fruit basket. Remember, you're not perfect, but let your family hear you say a quick little prayer, asking the Lord to forgive you and then explain why it's important to repent swiftly. They won't forget it. God is so good to us in that He knew we would be tested so He gave us a Book with ALL the answers. What an amazing God we have.
CHARACTER IS ALWAYS ON DISPLAY
Our character is on display, good or bad. As a Christian, it is our responsibility to be an example of the character of Christ in the home, the workplace, in public, and behind closed doors. We never know when a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, an act of humility, and generosity could turn someone away from giving up, falling into a pit of pity, or even hurting themselves or someone else.
Make It Personal: What would it mean for you to be used by God to show His love, peace, forgiveness, and truth to others—especially those closest to you? Are you willing to seek Him in His Word and ask Him to shape your life? Do you want your life to make that kind of difference?
Pray: Lord, give us a deep hunger for Your Word. Fill us with wisdom, understanding, and courage to live as examples of Your love. Help our words and actions reflect Your character in a way that draws others toward You. Use us to bring light to those who are struggling and guidance to those who are growing. Amen.
Read: Exodus 20:1–17, Philippians 4:8, Galatians 5:22-23, Proverbs 28:13
Weekly Memory Verse: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4, ESV