One man said, “profanity is the language of the ignorant.” For someone who has no other expression than expletives to use when they ’re angry, excited, fearful, sad, or any other emotion, they really show a lack of understanding. Remember when Peter wanted to show his ignorance of Jesus, he began to curse and swear to show that he was not with the Lord (Matt. 26:74). While this is not an article about profanity, we would do well, parents, to remember that our children will often pick up the habits that we drop…including language and actions!
Consider in that vein, some four -letter words that we ABSOLUTELY want to teach our children:
“GIVE” (2 Corinthians 9:7). It takes no time in this life to learn habits of selfishness. but it is a lifelong pursuit to learn self -less -ness. Having the mind of Christ that regards others better than self and puts others needs ahead of our own is something that must be taught (Phil. 2:1 -11).
“HEAR” (Proverbs 1 -10; James 1:22). “Are you listening to me?” A question often repeated in a household where lots of activities are. The Bible places a high premium on true listening. Jesus would often use the phrase (in KJV language) “verily, verily, I say unto thee” or in more modern language “I tell you the truth!” He would often conclude or include in his sayings, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” There is always a need to have ears to hear and a heart swift to obey!
“PRAY” (1 Thess. 5:17). Engage in meaningful conversation with God. Tell Him about your day, tell Him about your worries, cares, concerns. Ask Him for what you need. As we listen to our children pray and guide them in what to ask for, there is a learning to ALWAYS go to God to throw “all our care on Him” (1 Pet. 5:6 -7).
“LOVE” (1 Corinthians 13). “Have I told you lately that I love you?” How has love been affirmed in the home with the people you care about? How can you better spend time showing and responding in love? Discipline and tenderness both factor into this word, but always is the abiding understanding that “my love for you is not subject to change! ”
-AB
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