Kids copy what they see and hear. They are great at imitation. Some of those familiar trait’s parents see in their children could be genetic. Many are learnt through nurture. What are our children learning through watching? 

I learnt what it meant to spend time with Jesus, not through lessons but by watching. I saw my mother on her bed reading her bible and in prayer. I saw my father on a couch, bible in hand, reading and in prayer. I often heard my father strumming his guitar and singing his favourite chorus or Maori hymn. As a child I learnt to pray as I attended prayer meetings where adults prayed and worshipped. 

What are our children learning through watching? For parents, what are they learning from how you spend time with Jesus? To our church, what are our children learning from our shared prayer and worship? Kids copy what they see and hear. ‘Do as I say, not as I do’ will not work with children. 

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” 

In Him, 

Jason  (Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash)