Scripture
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24).
Biblical Principle
What do you tell your kids about the future?
Do you prepare them to become the next star athlete, straight A student, business mogul?
Seriously ponder what you put first for their future. Don't trust yourself either, ask a family friend, church member or pastor that knows you well. We tend to prepare our children for life on their own. We teach them how to be successful. We pour money, time, coaches and tutors and more for them to become the best. We center our time, affections and more around them. We make them the center of our universe. The problem is we teach them they are the most important being in the universe. We say without mouths, our hearts, or Instagram posts, "he/she is my world."
But God is the only being worthy of our affections in this way. Our children and families are good gifts but that's what they are gifts from a good God. When we make them the main thing we miss out on the greatest thing. Moreover, we teach our children to gain life they must sacrifice time, people, affections, even God.
In the above passage, Jesus said the only way to gain life is to lose ourselves. To gain life we have to be willing to lose our life. Is this how you are preparing your children to live? Are they willing to lose out on opportunities for advancement, scholarships, more money, or more for the cause of Christ? Not to say if they receive an athletic or academic scholarship, a good job, or anything good in this life is a bad thing. But if it's the main thing it's a problem. To gain life we must lose ourselves in this life. Paul wrote in the book of Galatians that he had died with Christ and the life he lived was by faith in the son of God who loved him and gave Himself up for him. If you want to have Christ, you must follow Him in giving up yourself.
Application
For Parents:
What are your hopes and dreams for your children?
How does that formulate how you raise them?
If your child chose to give their lives to reach an unreached people group in a dangerous part of the world, what would you think?
For Children:
What are your goals for the future?
Does it deter you from following God today?
Activity
Memorize:“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24).
Pray: Pray for God to be the main priority in your lives and family. Pray for the future to be filled with the Gospel going forward in whatever you do.
A Family Devotion Guide similar to this one will be provided on our website under Fellowship Church Resources and social media every Friday for you to use at home. Then, visit our Facebook page, Friday night's at 6:00pm, to hear Pastor Armando Yzaguirre Jr. chat about this devotional.
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