Modeling
Have you seen the HomeFront monthly magazine at church? My family loves going through these magazines to find creative ways to bring God into our everyday lives. There is something for everyone from crafts, storytelling, family memory verses, recipes, and so much more! October’s issue focuses on Modeling and really dives in to how we can see Christ in others and how they can see Him in us.
Whether it is intentional or not, we model our beliefs to everyone around us through our actions and behaviors. I know my children are watching to see if I live out what I believe. Does my faith extend beyond just words, is it part of me? When looking at an apple tree, you can tell the health of the tree by its fruit. Does it look delicious or is it withered? The same is true for our spiritual lives. The Bible tells us to look for the fruit that comes from having a healthy relationship with God:
“But the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace.
It is being patient, kind and good.
It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself.”
-- Galatians 5:22-23a
When we allow God to come into our lives, He changes us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are all indicators of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. It’s not how good we are or how hard we are working that produces lasting fruit. People around us notice the difference when we intentionally let God be the center of our lives, they see the fruit and see that it is good! As a fun family exercise, spend time discussing with one another how you can see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in each other. You may be surprised by what your family says!
For more easy and fun ways to bring God into your home, pick up your copy of the HomeFront magazine in the lobby or Children’s Department on Sunday. May the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control of the Holy Spirit surround your family and shine for the world to see!