Day 22: Grace and Righteousness
Lord, may these children know that even a child is known by his actions, and therefore, may their actions reflect integrity. May they not be looked down upon because they are young, but rather may be examples to those around them. Proverbs 20:11; I Timothy 4:12 In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
We want to teach our children at an early age the value of a good reputation. This can be a tricky endeavor, because if we are not careful, we may find ourselves on the slippery slope of being a people pleaser.
We also don’t want to instill in our children that they can earn salvation with their good behavior. We want our children to understand GRACE—God’s Richest At Christ’s Expense. We want them to know that they don’t deserve it, they can’t earn it, Jesus bought it for them, and it if FREE!
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Ephesians 2:8
What we do want our kids to understand is that good behavior is a response to the goodness of God. Good behavior, and a good reputation, will reward them. We want them to be lead in what is true, and good, and right. We want them to choose what is right because it is right. We want them to be righteous and we know that true righteousness only comes through the work of God in their lives.
Most importantly, we want to be a voice of truth in their lives. We want our lives to be an example for them. So, I guess we better pray this prayer for ourselves, too. (Okay, well maybe not the “young” part!)
