Exodus 20.5-6: ‘…I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.’

 “Legacy focuses on what will endure. It’s about passing on things of lasting value to those who will live on after us.” (High, 2017).

Families are God’s amazing plan for how His knowledge, wisdom and blessing can be passed down through generations. God created family units (Genesis 1:27-28) and releases many blessings over marriage and family. As Christian parents we are ordained by God to leave a legacy of spiritual values and faith for our families. Each of us will leave a legacy for our children; the choice of what kind of legacy you leave is up to you.

God directs us to raise children who are wise, obedient and honourable. He has given parents a unique and unparalleled bond with their children that allows the passing on of identity shaping values. No one else has the relationship that you have with your child, no one else has the spiritual calling to feed in to your child’s life: the responsibility is on us, the parents, to instil biblical values in everyday family life.

 ‘Train up a child in the way he should do, and when he is old he will not depart from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6)

Most of us will be familiar with this verse and agree with the idea that what we are taught when we are young stays ingrained in our identity, who we are and the decisions we make as adults.

So how do we train up our children in the way they should go?

‘The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.’ (Proverbs 20:7)

From a very young age kids learn values by observing the people closest to them. Most of the time these teachable moments will occur naturally as your child experiences life with you each day.

Day to day lived moments like how you show kindness and respect to others, how you deal with challenges or frustrations, your submission to authority (both man’s and God’s), honesty, self control, self discipline, etc. Our kids will imitate our behaviour (good and bad) and see it as the standard for how they should conduct themselves.

‘Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.’ (Proverbs 14:26)

If we are secure in who we are in Christ, our own identity as a child of God and are continually working on growing closer to Him then our children will have a strong sense of security, peace and purpose in their own lives.

As you walk with God you are able to release His Word, blessings and truth over your kids, helping them grow in their spiritual understanding and shaping their values to reflect God’s heart.

Pray with me for an increase in spiritual values in your home:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me to parent with unconditional love.
Help me to disciple in your truth.
Help me to be a refuge in our home.
I release wisdom, obedience and honour over my family unit.
I release peace, joy and rest in our home.
Thank you for the continued blessing over my marriage and family.

In Jesus name, Amen.

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