Why do you follow Jesus?
Really, I’m curious.
The REASON you follow Jesus will tell you a lot about the depth and genuine-ness of your faith in Him.
And it will speaks volumes to your children – both negatively and positively.
So really, why do you follow Jesus?
Do you follow Jesus because…
- you think He’s a “blessing machine” that doles out rewards for good/religious behavior?
- you have a misconstrued belief that He prevents all harm from coming to His followers?
- your own parents taught you to follow Him and you’ve fallen into step behind them?
- you want to have some sort of spiritual beliefs, and Jesus is the flavor you like most?
- you don’t like the alternatives?
Biblically speaking, NONE of those are good reasons. Each one is a twisted motivation that actually leads AWAY from true devotion to Christ.
And if your kids get a whiff of those kinds of motives in you (and I guarantee you, they will), THEY will be led away from genuine faith in Christ too.
Good reasons for following Jesus are pretty simple.
Jesus is it.
He’s the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13).
He’s the central theme and focus of all creation (Colossians 1:17).
He’s the one around whom all history revolves (Luke 24:27).
He’s the Creator God, who created YOU for His own purpose (Colossians 1:16).
That’s the kind of “following” that makes a difference.
Lead your kids down the same path
It’s that kind of enthralled devotion to the PERSON of Jesus that provokes the same kind of devotion in our children. They begin to fall in love with a Person, not a set of beliefs, or a list of benefits, or a religious system.
Faith becomes real to them.
Faith comes alive in their hearts.
How do you do it practically?
- Your children need to know that you follow Jesus because of who He is. Tell them. Talk about it. Share your heart with them.
- They need to hear you talk about how awesome He is. Marvel over Jesus with your children. Help them see His grandeur, His splendor, His amazing power and wisdom and grace.
- They need to see that you are delighted with the amazing grace He’s shown in making you one of His own. Tell them your testimony of salvation. Tell them how He’s carried you when you’ve failed. Show them how patient, and kind, and compassionate He’s been toward you.
Below is a bit of inspiration… in the form of a song. Take the following 4 minutes and 32 seconds to remind yourself of the amazing, indescribable nature of your Savior, so that you can step away from the computer and draw your kids into the wonder of who He is. Watch, listen, then go and provoke your kids toward worship.
by 