Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
One role of a parent is teaching kids what they need to know for life. Directly and indirectly, parents show their children how to walk, talk, move, and interact with the world. Even in the deeper matters of life, they show them what is valuable, how to treat people, and what to pursue. What are some things your parents showed you? They may have told you certain things were important, but did they show you that with how they lived? Did they exemplify the values they told you to hold to?
Scripture makes clear the important things in life. It shows us the better way to live is not based on an expert’s research but the Creator Himself. The answer to what we pursue, what we should do with our lives, and where we find our joy and purpose should not based on the world or the things of the world but in Him who is the same from everlasting to everlasting! There are so many things in the world we can love and invest in. We can become skilled at many different things when we give them time and attention, but only our heavenly Father ushers us into the investments that will stand the test of time and give us the fulfilment we search for. May we not only talk about the importance of our faith to the next generation but show them what it looks like through our lives and love.
- What is something you learned because someone else exemplified it for you?
- What are the things you love and invest in most? Are they eternal or temporary investments? Explain.
- Pray and ask God to shape your love and affection for Him.
