The Christian faith has been pushed to the sidelines. Schools are often required to provide basic values education, which is sad. This is not a bad thing for teachers. As it stands, we overload teachers. We shouldn’t expect them to take a lead role in this area. Perhaps a supporting role, but it’s still the responsibility of the families to instill good values. Unfortunately, that isn’t happening as often as it should.
It’s no secret that values have significantly changed over the past few decades. Unfortunately, the fear of God is rapidly disappearing. All references to God are being removed from public life. These changes are being seen in many ways and are being reflected by our children.
Many of the signs that we see are alarming. Many lack basic manners. People who base their morals on the Bible are often treated with disrespect by the media, via print material, radio and movies, as well as broadcast television.
These times were well described by Apostle Paul in his second letter addressed to Timothy. He writes:
“This also knows that the end times will be perilous. Men will be covetous, boasters and proud, blasphemers. They will also be disobedient to their parents, unthankful, unholy. They will also be incontinent, fierce, treachers of good people, false accusers. They will be lovers of themselves more than they love God. They are the ones who creep into homes and take captive women, laden with sins, and enslave them with a variety of lusts. Never able to grasp the truth. — 2 Timothy 3:7-7
It is vital to teach children Christian values and beliefs. This will influence how they will treat others and serve others. It is up to those who are faithful to keep their Christian values intact and alive in these difficult times. These Christian values will give youth the opportunity to grow spiritually. They will be able to reflect on larger issues and improve their moral judgment in order make better and more informed decisions. They will be able to see God more deeply and become better disciples of Christ.
First
God first is a core Christian value. It means to continually seek God’s righteousness, and completely rely on Him. Christians have the right to choose what’s right and wrong. But if God is first, then we will seek God out for right and wrong. God can only be valued if we recognize that He is more knowledgeable than us in all matters concerning life and godliness (Peter 1:3-4).
“But first seek his kingdom and his righteousness. All these things will come to you.” — Matthew 6 :33
Faith
Children naturally place their faith in their parents. However, their faith and trust should not be limited to their faith in God. God is faithful to his nature, in that he doesn’t change in his love, mercy and justice. Children can learn faith from their parents by reminding them every day that all good things are God’s (James 1:17). Christians believe in God through Jesus Christ, His Son. This faith and attitude should be reflected in all human relationships, as we are called love all people (Matthew 22,37-40).
Love
Love is a fundamental Christian value. God has shown us unmerited favor through His unmerited grace and favor. This unmerited favor is realized through God. God offers his love in the form eternal life through Jesus Christ. The most important characteristic of love is its ability to seek out the goodness in others. This leads to our third Christian value.
“Love your enemies and do good to them. Don’t expect anything in return. Your reward will be great and you will become children of the Most High because he is kind and generous to the ungrateful.
Show compassion
It is the best way to show compassion to our children by being a role model and practicing it in front of them. It is crucial to get your children involved in compassion projects such as missions, feeding programs, and servant-evangelism. We must teach our children that compassion is more than just feeling sorry for someone.
“As one has received a gift from God, use it to help one another as good stewards God’s diverse grace:”–1 Peter 4:10
Hope
Children need to learn early that they have more than fantasy and dreams. They need hope. Hope is a complex emotion. It’s a complex emotion that includes a desire to have something and an expectation of someday achieving it. Hope is more than wishful thinking. It’s a belief in God. Hope is trusting God and His goodness. Hope is the anchor of the soul. As one of the three most lasting gifts of the Spirit, hope is combined with faith and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
“And now these are: faith, hope, and love. “But the greatest of these is Love.” – 1 Corinthians 13-13
Humility
Many times, the Bible’s values are in direct opposition to our worldly values. Humility is a good example of one of these values. Humility is the antithesis of pride that caused Satan’s fall and many others. A Christian woman and man should strive for humility. Humility is the most important attribute that Christ can be described with (Philippians 2:2). Because so many virtues are derived from humility, humility is one of God’s most essential character traits.
“If anyone would be first, he should be the last and servant of all.” – Mark 9:35
Integrity
It is important to remind children that, even though they may not see their actions, God rewards them accordingly. The Bible is filled with references to integrity, character, moral purity, and other virtues. Honesty, trustworthiness, and honesty are the fruits of integrity. Integrity will help us do right in God’s eyes as well as in our own lives.
“To do the right thing and be just is more acceptable with God than to sacrifice.”-Proverbs 21:3
Ending Note
Living and modeling the Christian values you have learned to your children will help you live your life fully – for you and your family.