Discovering YOU Magazine May 2019 Issue | Page 47

SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH

Listen to "You Say" by Lauren Daigle as you read Pastor's Nissley's wonderful article.

Bible story and to help their child see how the biblical principles apply to them”.

PARENTS NEED TO HELP THEIR CHILD IDENTIFY AND PURSUE GOD’S PLAN

FOR THEIR LIFE

A. Let your child know that living as God's creation isn’t about proving and earning, but being. Every week, our children feel pressure from media and peers to look a certain way, act a certain way or buy a specific product to earn status and acceptance. Behind this pressure sits a powerful message: Who you are isn’t good enough. But Genesis 1:27 says, we’ve been created in the image of God, formed by His hand. That means our children bear the unique imprint of God’s creative genius. Our role as parents isn’t to help our child become like other children or fit in, but to help him/ her recognize God’s unique fingerprint on their lives! If your children are young, a good place to start is a simple Bible story book and apply these truths with age appropriate discussion and fun applications. If your children are older, get a devotional like “Devotion for Teens”. Seek opportunities to apply Bible truth to answer WHO they are and WHY they are here:

• I am the wonderful creation of a loving God. Psa. 139:13-14 says, He knows everything about me.

• I was made to reflect the image of God. My abilities to create, learn and love come from Him. Gen. 1:27 says, I have so much in common with God, my Creator.

• I am adopted into God's family, and I will live for eternity as His child. I am no longer a slave of sin. Rom. 8:15 says so!

• I've been created with a purpose. I am

God’s creative work-manship! Eph. 2:10 says, “He’s prepared good works for me to do” and He will provide what I need to carry them out.

• Our ultimate purpose to teach our children is to love God and love other people as we love ourselves (Matt. 27:37-39 says).

When cultural beliefs differ from Biblical truths, train your child to follow the Bible. Consider age-appropriate activities and discussion questions to help your child understand what it means to be a priceless creation of God. Remind them often that life fulfillment comes when we live the way our creator intended us to live.

"When cultural beliefs differ from Biblical truths, train your

child to follow the Bible. Consider

age-appropriate activities ...."