In Touch 06-20-04

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Sunday June 20, 2004
InTouch Early Light Devotional

Family Influence: Good or Bad?
2 Timothy 1:3-5

Sometimes we wonder if there's any way we can leave a mark of the time we spent on earth. How will anyone know we've been here? How can we leave behind something that will benefit society? Will others know of our faith in Jesus Christ?
    
The answer is a resounding yes - it's your children. The way you rear your children ripples down from generation to generation. If you ground your children in godly principles through both word and action, they will follow in your footsteps as they grow older.
    
As Paul writes Timothy, we see that Timothy had a spiritual heritage. Timothy's grandmother, Lois, and mother, Eunice, were both devoted to God. Paul saw that same devotion in Timothy, who learned it from his relatives.
   
When your children imitate you, what place will Jesus have in their lives? Will they be a man or woman of prayer? Will they develop strong, godly relationships? Will the Word of God have a place of importance in their lives?
    
You can't just tell your children, "Do as I say." Children are watching. So, in order to hand down this godly foundation, you must show them what place Jesus has in your life. You must be a man or woman of prayer. God's Word must have a strong place of importance in your life. When you do these things, your children will see you and do likewise. (Proverbs 22:6)

For free online one-to-one mentoring with Dr. Charles Stanley, visit www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.

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