Faith is Caught and Taught

“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

In the above verse Paul told the young Timothy that he must be an example to other believers and from this same verse we can garner that, as believers, we too must be examples for others to follow, especially in our own families. 

In our households, we ought to lead by example. It’s the people at home that witness our true characters. Even our level of faith is revealed by how we respond to everyday life situations. Our behavior at home, godly and ungodly, exposes the fruit we’re cultivating within our hearts, whether spiritual or otherwise. In Matthew 7:16 Jesus says that people can be identified by the fruit they produce, in other words, by the way they act. 

How have you been behaving? Are you one way in public but completely different in private? When your family looks at you what are they seeing? Are they seeing a person who exercises authentic faith? A person who, in spite of the challenges of life, stands firm in faith that is steadfast – unmoved by the raging storm because you know that Jesus, in whom you trust, has authority over every storm? 

Does your family see divine inner strength in you? Do they see a person who boldly goes to the Lord in prayer about everything with thanksgiving, seeking His direction? What do they see? A person so convinced of the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to provide an abundant life, that you do not hesitate to share with them the faith that you have in Him, so that they too may experience a wonderful faith-filled life? Are you living by faith?

Faith is caught and if you are unwilling to show your family that you are living by faith in Jesus, then you are not leaving an example of authentic faith for your family to see and follow. If your family never observes you giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), or declaring that God is working all things together for good because you love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), or you have not demonstrated that you recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17), then you are denying your family an opportunity to see genuine faith at work right in their own home.

Giving your family a practical example is just part of the legacy of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour though. You must also teach your family about Jesus and their need for Him in their lives. I’m not talking here about brow-beating anyone into believing or hitting them over the head with your Bible and condemning anybody of just how much of a sinner they are, no…that’s not the way. 

If you are genuinely concerned about leading your family to Jesus, then talk about Him. Just as you’d talk about anyone else that you love a lot, simply let them know, from your heart, about Him. Make Jesus the object of your desire, explain how He makes you feel, without turning the conversation into a monologue about yourself. People need to know what Jesus can effect in their lives. Speak in terms of how God is able to do immeasurably more than they could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). 

Sit together and delve into the Word, not as a chore but read and discuss the Word, for faith comes by hearing God’s Word. Love your family enough to let them in on the Good News of Jesus and the unconditional love the Father has for them. Let them know that God loves them so much that He allowed His one and only Son to die on their behalf for every sin that they have committed, are committing, and will ever commit – dying such an awful and cruel death so that they could inherit eternal life (John 3:16). Help your family understand the manner of love God has for them and just how much He values them – a treasured and prized creation, fearfully and wonderfully made (see Psalm 139). Let them know that absolutely nothing can separate them from the love He has for them (Romans 8:38-39).

However, nothing you say to your family will hold any weight if your relationship with them is not the best, you’ll just come across as disingenuous. If you’re not showing love to your own family, then every time you attempt to speak to them all they’d hear is the sound of clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13). You cannot be talking about the love of God and your love for God when you’re not demonstrating love, especially to your children. 

Providing your children’s basic needs is one thing, getting involved in their lives through genuine interest and concern and care is another. Too often as a parent, you tend to be constantly critical every time you set eyes on your child, letting loose a barrage of negative speech geared towards everything that child does. What type of relationship are you breeding? Cultivate a relationship that would allow you to have a positive influence in your child’s life. When he knows that you care, he’d be inclined to listen to you. Jesus related to individuals in love and then He was able to meet their spiritual needs because He had established a loving connection with them. 

The way you treat your children will determine the way they respond to you. And the way they respond to their earthly parent is the way they’ll respond to their heavenly Father. So it is very important to lay a secure foundation upon which they could successfully build – a groundwork for how they will perceive God. For instance, if you are a parent that keeps his word then they will trust that God will be true to His word. Spend time with your child, enjoy his company, and no matter the age, find ways to stay connected in love.

My friends, seize those teachable moments in practical ways and teach through love and gentleness. Do all you can to point your family toward Jesus, by the way you live and by what you teach; be a pattern for them in your love, your faith, and your purity. Pray without ceasing for your loved ones. Realize that it is not your responsibility to make a person accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, but it is your responsibility to share the gospel, the good news, of Jesus. Be faithful in doing your part but keep in mind that each of us has been given free will to choose or not to choose Jesus. 

Do not be harsh on your family if they are not responding to Jesus in the way you think they should. Do not give up on them; remember, your family members will receive Jesus only when they recognize that they need Him. Just continue to lift Jesus up and He will draw all people to Himself (John 12:32). 

Pray that you will be a godly example to others, setting apart Christ as Lord, always prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have and to always do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Amen†

Faith is Caught and Taught

Shelley Johnson May 8, 2017