Crossroads Baptist Church 8/12/2018

Today Pastor Kirk gave a service on God's word being our focus, our goal post. Of course, but do you go to church just to hear the word and then live your life as if you are a part of this world? Or are you moved into action? We, as Christians, are called to be Christ-like. No, we are not perfect. That is why Christ paid our sin debt in full.

After you surrender your life to Christ, you become a new creation! We are now different than those of this world. So when we live our lives, we should stand out among others. What do I mean?

Exactly this: We are called to be different. Not self-righteous, but God-righteous. And in this manner, he emphasized 5 main points that we, as adults, are responsible for when it comes to our children's education.

1. Encourage testimonies. Parents and children are not required to leave who they are at the door. No one else does, and neither did Daniel. Daniel 1:3-8. This is a good way to let people know who you are and what you are about.

Yes, it gets tough, but it is worth it.

2. Parents, lead by example. There was a father whose son was very important to a particular team, but the final game was on a Sunday. He was conflicted. Should he let his son play and teach him that baseball was more important than God?

An easier way to go about this conflict is to let the coach know at the beginning of the year that Sunday's and Wednesday's are priorities elsewhere. That way, it is no surprise to the coach or the team.

3. Students should get 100% benefit every year. If you study and work hard, put your whole effort towards your education, there is no reason you cannot achieve your best. If your best is a B or a C, then you have done your best! But if your best is an A and you get a C, you are cheating yourself and God. God gave you the talent and ability. Make sure to use them.

4. Set goals for your children. Many times children go away to  revivals, Vacation Bible School, etc., and within a month or two they are back to the way they were before they left. We call that backsliding. If you set goals for them, encourage them, be a part of their lives by getting materials that you can use together; it can be a great influence on your child's life.

5. Your children's friends DO matter. Good people do good things. Bad people do bad things. Life is hard enough for our children. If they start out by telling you that their friend did this and that, but they are good person, stop it right there. It may be true. Are you willing to risk your child? I am not.

We have to be diligent. Look on their Facebook accounts! Both your child's and their friends. You will learn more than you ever wanted to know. They post everything!

I have to check on the pot roast right now, so I hope these words of encouragement helped you in some way. :)

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.