I pride myself on not being a social media expert.However, I have recently broke down and created an Instagram account, in order to connect with the youth at our church. There have been many conversations at home about this new world that I have stepped into. This afternoon, my three-year-old little girl stated that she just saw something on her Instagram. Of course she doesn’t have an Instagram, or a phone at that. She has heard mom and dad in recent days, mostly dad, struggling to understand this new social platform. We have found that if you say anything enough times in a sentence, especially in the presence of a very chatty little girl, she’ll be able to not only pronounce it, but also use it correctly in a conversation. This was quite humorous until I realized the seriousness of this new discovery. It’s one thing when our little girl is singing “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”, but it’s another when it’s Instagram. Our children, even in toddlerhood, are listening intently to our words. What do they hear us say? Everything. We often scratch our heads as to why our children say the things they do, yet it is often the overflow of what they are hearing.
Raising our children in the way of the Lord happens all day long. We must be mindful that we are their teachers constantly, even when we are not directly talking to them. When they are little we are their heroes. They are hanging on to every word that comes out of our mouths. They want to be just like their parents. Our hope is for our children to be just like our Teacher. We want them to be just like our Hero – Jesus Christ. They watch how we respond to the good and the bad things of life. The time for molding never ends. We must guard the young minds entrusted to us constantly. Class is never dismissed.
The Bible reminds us often to watch our mouths. James does a wonderful job of showing the reality behind an unbridled tongue.
“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
(James 3:5b-10)
The stakes have been raised. Often, we don’t realize the power of this action until it is repeated by our children. We are to guard their minds and hearts, but so often it is our flesh that hinders their spiritual growth. Therefore,we must guard our own minds and hearts . Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” What thoughts are you feeding your mind? How do you respond to the daily frustrations life offers? Is your speech lathered in grace?
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
(Philippians 4:8)
Mom and Dad, be careful of what you are saying in front of those moldable minds and radar ears. Remember, class is never dismissed.
FAITHtalks: 