The Ultimate Ride: Transforming Your Life & Family
“What is ‘Quality Time’ with Your Family”
Three weeks ago, we began a new sermon series entitled:
The Ultimate Ride: Transforming Your Life & Family
Three weeks ago, we talked about the topic: “Leaving a Legacy”
…and I pointed out Four Lies from Satan about “Leaving a Legacy
Two weeks ago , I talked about “Transforming Your Family the Wrong Way”
I shared with you various Mistakes that Parents make when raising their families.
Last week, we talked about “It Doesn’t Take Much to Have a Happy Home”
Be Real. Be Honest. Be Prepared. Be Committed. Be Connected.
So, first, this morning, let me first share with you a couple verses that illustrate The Power of a ‘Visual’ Testimony then I want to share with you Five Contagious Characteristics that your children are able to not only witness but will provoke them to good works – cause them to crave and desire to follow.
The Power of a ‘Visual’ Testimony
There is power in a parent’s testimony when their kids are able to see their parents walk-the-walk rather than just talk-the-talk. The Bible describes on multiple occasions that when we are able to visually witness a testimony of another believer, it will impact much more than simply being taught the principle. And that principle is to create a life worth imitating!
The apostle Paul constantly told people he could mimic his actions:
I Corinthians 11:1 And you should follow me, as I follow Christ.
In fact, the Greek word for “follow” is (mim-MEH-oh)…where we get our English word “mimic” or “to be a mime!”
Here’s yet another verse in which the apostle Paul told people he could mimic his actions as an example: Philippians 3:17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
You see, my friend, the question is NOT “Will people watch me?” or better yet, “Will my children and spouse watch me?” It IS a question of “Will the people watching me want what I have?!” OR, will they witness what I have and pray, “I hope I’m not like them!”
So, what are some characteristics that are not only pleasant characteristics of people that you enjoy being around, but more so, are characteristics that display Godly character and exemplify God’s heartbeat on life and bring honor to HIM!
When you spend time with your family, you give them the opportunity to witness a VISUAL TESTIMONY!
Today, I want to quickly share The Results of Spending ‘Quality Time’ with Your Family. Now, let me share with you four contagious characteristics that you want to have in your life.
#1 – A life fixed on God!
We can teach our kids how to act by them watching us. You may be saying, “Whoa! I don’t want that to happen!” But here’s the point: If you are living a spirit-controlled life, you have nothing to fear. In fact, you want them to be around you so that they can observe you and learn how to respond to temptation…or make decisions
You may try to put your ‘best face forward,’ but it is indeed true that given enough time, we will always resort back to who we really are.
What do you want them to see?
1. Dependence on God
2. Contemplation before Decision
3. Respect for Spouse!
4. You Demonstrating your Love for Them!
Oh, and a side note, if you’re not there for them to witness YOUR true behavior, then the opposite is true –then you will not be there to witness THEIR true behavior.
#2 – A life worth following!
You walk in holiness, they will see it and follow:
III John verse 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
It all goes back to our first lesson on legacy – like I said, if you want a strong, God-glorifying legacy, than you have to start NOW. AND like I said last week –it just takes little things like spending time with them and being real.
There is a very popular Chinese Proverb that is often quoted by everyone from business executives, authors, leadership theorists…to grandmothers & grandfathers – but the principle is indeed true regarding “leaving a legacy:”
“One generation plants a trees, and another gets the shade.”
-Author unknown
Some of you work so hard…and you can’t spend hours at a time with your child.
I understand that. Know this, that hard work is honorable! I don’t care if you are a doctor or a lawyer…or you are in construction or waste management or working THREE jobs to make ends meet – I want you to know that if you are working to provide for your family and you do it in a law-abiding, God-honoring way – I want you to know that you are an honorable man or woman and your kids ought to be proud of you!
But you may still ask, “Pastor, how do I get around the fact that I can’t spend a lot of time with my family because of all my work hours? First, ask if your work hours are necessary. Are you working to make ends meet or are you killing yourself to maintain a lifestyle that is doing nothing but pulling you away from each other.
#3 - A life built on love!
Matthew 6:19-20
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
So many parents struggle to provide what other parents are able to provide and they come home miserable when they realize they are not physically able to provide what others provide.
Well, some seemingly contentious parents may say, “but I try to keep up with the families of the kids friends so that my kids won’t be embarrassed by not having what the friends they are playing with have.
Listen, my Friend, I can tell you from experience, kids don’t want stuff, they want a DAD…or a MOM. And at life’s end, they will brag on how special & strong a relationship you guys have together – and NOT stuff!
#4 – A life full of memories!
This is what really matters. You see, it is not hard. You can make a wonderful memory just by sitting down with them, hand-in-hand, and not saying a word
One Caution:
“If you don’t desire to spend time with your family, be assured that someone else will.” WHO? The enemy of all families – The Evil One himself, Satan.
Satan’s way is to steal, kill, and destroy you…but god’s way gives life!
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
My friend, if you don’t stop the path that you are on, then you will wind up never being satisfied! More money will cultivate the desire for more money.
Fame will cultivate the desire for more fame. The good thing is – More time with your family will cultivate the desire for more time with your family!!
Is it possible that you gain a few more pounds eating lots of these with your kids?
You may.
Is it possible you will have to turn down a few less activities?
Sounds like it.
Is it possible you may make less money than you would if you worked more hours?
It’s possible.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely!
A pack of french fries? You can buy for a dollar
A coloring book? Maybe $2.50
A trip to see friends in the car? Maybe $50 in gas
Experiencing life with your family? PRICELESS
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
