Introduction:
“A
good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving
favor rather than silver and gold.”
Proverbs
22:1
A.
A “good name” is the quintessential of every Christian.
1.
While far from perfect, Christians are commanded to strive
for it. “Therefore
you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Matthew
5:48
2.
Faithful Christians understand the value of true
“character:” it is priceless.
3.
While many scoff, ridicule, and mock at Christian
ideologies, God Himself will exalt you if your character – the
very essence of who you are – is engraved into the image of
His son.
B.
Engraving Character (‘a good name’) is of the utmost
importance.
1.
A deliberate, accurate, and thorough employment in raising
our children is necessary to create an imprint of our
Savior into their lives. “And
He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation
of His nature … ” Hebrews
1:3
2.
The seriousness of this endeavor is manifested by faithful
and diligent living and parenting.
3.
The fruit of your labors seen in the lives of your children
will further engrave our own character as God’s children.
Discussion:
I.
Engraving Character Into Our Children
A.
Important to engraving character: getting rid of sinful
behavior.
1.
Chisel out their desire to lie and deceive.
“The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray
as soon as they are born, speaking lies.” Psalm
58:3
2.
Chisel out: talking back, disrespectful tones when
speaking, rolling eyes, grumbling, etc.
“The eye that mocks a father And scorns a mother, The
ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will
eat it.” Proverbs
30:17
3.
In the process they are able to fill the void with godly
characteristics: addressing and speaking to others respectfully,
fulfilling their obligations with excellence and maturity.
B.
Bring
Out
the desired outcome of your children. Lk.
2:51-52
1.
The practice of joyful obedience. 1
Jn. 5:3
2.
An
expectation of moral excellence. cp. 2
Pet. 1:5
3.
A
heart of a servant.
Jn.
13:14-15
4.
NOTE: as parents we need to set forth an example
of these virtues if we are to chisel out the unwanted (sinful)
behavior and bring out these Christ-like virtues into our
children.
C.
Character
Through Trials and Tribulations.
1.
Toil, pain, and difficult trials are the necessary
ingredients for character growth.
“We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that
tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven
character; and proven character, hope.” Romans
5:3-4
2.
Through
these trials and tribulations children learn the virtuous quality
of perseverance.
3.
In
turn, perseverance brings about proven character.
4.
Test
their character and “reward” them according to their deeds
(good and bad). Gal.
6:7-8
D.
Foundation for engraving character: God’s Word
1.
When a child has a problem with forgiving others. Col.
3:13
2.
When a child is spoiled; always wanting “things”. 1
Jn. 2:15
3.
Training the concept and mindset of obedience. Eph.
6:1-3
4.
Enhancing
roles:
training daughters to become virtuous wives (and sons godly
husbands). Proverbs
31:10-31
II.
Blessings of Engraving Character Into Our Children
A.
One of the quickest ways to learn about ourselves
comes through parenting.
1.
We
may find that we lack the very behavior we expect from our
children.
2.
In
this way we either live by a double standard (cp. Matt.
23:1-4) or refine our character so that we can be godly
examples to our children. Eph.
6:4
B.
The
end result:
having children in the express image of our Savior.
1.
All the necessary time, energy, diligence, perseverance in
“training up your children in the way they should go” is
nothing more than an act of genuine love.
2.
When children are trained up in the Lord they become a
blessing to their parents. “Let
our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters
as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace.” Psalm
144:12
C.
The end result: the express image (true character)
of our Savior.
1.
When Christians are engraving true character into their
lives and those of their children, God’s name is magnified among
the “Gentiles.” “For
from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be
great among the nations ... ” Malachi
1:11
Conclusion:
Engraving character into your children may be the most
difficult task you ever do as parents.
The fruit of your labors, however, will last an eternity.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin
Church of Christ
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