Saturday, October 17, 2009

A Measure of Success

Ryan and I are in the early stages of raising our family. We have a four year old, three year old and six month old. The other night our conversation became quite serious. As parents, in the midst of it all, how do we know if we are successfully raising our children? How do we measure our success (or lack thereof)?

Do we look around - to the families we admire - and see how we're measuring up? Do we compare the behavior and hearts of our children with other children? What measuring stick do we use? How do we gauge? How do we know?

When we look at scripture, it all points back to loving the Lord and loving others. Deuteronomy 6:5 -7 gives us clear instructions for raising our children.

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

In a society where families are busier than ever, how do we keep Deuteronomy 6:5-7 the foundation, the guiding force in raising our family?

God designed the HOME to be the primary place for spiritual growth. Studies show that parents are 2 – 3 times more influential in the faith development of their children…more than any pastor or church program. Yet, we see today spiritual life in the home is virtually non-existent.

Research tells us that fewer than 10 percent of churched families read the Bible, pray (other than at meal times), or do acts of service together as a family.

At Trinity, we are committed to helping families Build Faith @ Home. We created this blog as a way to inspire, motivate and equip you as parents in reaching your kids for Christ. Each week, we will feature new posts emphasizing Faith (Monday), Family (Wednesday) and Fun (Friday).

Please join us as we grow and learn together! Bookmark this page and check in often!

~ Sharina

6 comments:

  1. I've bookmarked this blog and look forward to checking in often. Good luck!

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  4. Wow, Sharina! I just listened to this sermon. He sure gives us a lot to consider. What a great message!
    I so want to see my children become His disciples. I want to be their teacher. Yet in many ways I feel woefully inadequate. Needing the grace of God every day to do through me what I simply cannot do on my own. And I am looking forward to seeing Trinity lead us in leading our children!
    Love you,
    Karen

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  5. Karen,
    I totally hear you...I feel the same as you do....resting in God's provision and knowing that He will guide us every step of the way!! God is so good. Thanks for all the work you do in getting the word out! sharina

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