Integrity- People of God

What are we teaching our children? What are they learning from us as parents and the worldly system around them? When we look at the number of hours we use and invest into our education, it will be an enormous amount of the available waking time. With 24 hours in a day 8 are allotted for resting, 8-10 for working or going to school, which leave 6 to 8 hours with our families to commune, fellowship and teach them social skills, our values and religious stances and beliefs. 

We must plan specific time to teach our children and families our morals and ethics. If not, the world will consume them in their constant bombardment with public media to instill in our children their fallen views and values. We may raise our children in our homes and engage them in our daily routine andour lifestyle, but the world has more time to devote to their train of thought through school and public media.   We are told toinstructed and teach our children during our everyday living as we eat, as walk around and as we lie down and to have His word visible on the doorposts and on the gates (the places we visit frequently) as we enter in and go out.    

Deuteronomy 6:7, 9 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your homes, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. – You shall write them on the doorpost of your house and on your gates. NKJ

We as Christ followers who are in the family of God must be vigilant in guarding our families from over exposure to this fallen worldly system and to be more attentive to teaching, not only the word of God, but His kingdom principles, the “why” behind the way we live and the reasons our culture is based on integrity is for God’s glory. When people and children are taught the “why” behind their existence they can have a better understanding and a firmer commitment to their values.   

John 13:15-17 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  Verily, verily, I say to you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he who sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. KJV

Some people were raised in households that told them what to do and what not to do, without explaining the principles of God’s word and few understood the reasons behind those limits.  The lack of understanding of God, His word and not being aware of the truth behind the “why” they are to live a certain way, with boundaries, tend to make some people feel left out, prohibited or censored. While in truth these borders are for their protection and guard against the consequences of poor choicesand for them to be a light in dark places.  

The word of God was given for instruction and to be an example so that we may know the craftiness of the adversary, the consequences of poor judgement and the righteousness and grace we have with the covering of God’s word.   We see the results of those who chose to go for the immediate satisfaction, as Esau sold his birth rite for a meal to satisfy his hunger at the moment. He did not think about his future or his family’s future in losing his rights as first born. We also, see David a shepherd, trusted God and became king over Israel. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJ

We are to teach our children at a young age that they are part of two systems. As we teach them the values and traditions of their nation and culture we must also teach them the values and constitution of their heavenly kingdom.  They have dualcitizenship one in their present country and the other in heaven and they must learn how-to walk-in accordance to the laws of both country and kingdom. God knows where He has placed us, the nation, the culture and the society and we are there to reflectHis glory and His image as we walk in light of His word and to be a light for those around us. That is the “why” behind our lifestyle. If we live and hate as others and those around us they will see no difference, no light and will remain in darkness. 

Ephesians 2:12-13,19 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  – Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. NKJ

In this time, we see many different philosophies, trains of thought and values. A long with the cults, witchcraft, magicallurements and enchantments that are being feed to us and our children through song, commercials, movies and public media.  We must be alert and observant to the things we say and do and what we allow our children to have access to, as their minds are like sponges and will soak up those lies and they may become part their belief system. 

There is so much being taught that we cannot guard them from all evil but we can teach them what God says about the matter,to guide and to give them the tools they need to make thecorrect determination as to the righteousness of that situation. With all the electronic devices the truth of God’s word is available audibly to help us instruct our children. 

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.  NKJ

Psalm 119:99-101   I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. NKJ

The Proverbs will give them wisdom and discernment, the Psalms will show them how to cry out to God and to praise Him, the Old Testament will show how God is in fellowship and cares for us and the New Testament will reveal His Son, Jesus, His love, mercy and grace.