“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10
If you ask most kids to define an “abundant” life, they will more than likely talk of money, big houses, electronic and digital devices, clothes, and “stuff.” Sometimes, even though we mean well, we model to our kids a love for things and status by how we spend our time, money, and energy. My husband’s life verse is Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. What “things” was Jesus referring to? Clothes, food, drink – the important stuff, but not the essential stuff that will enable our children to navigate life.
The virtual world tries to swallow our kids with more options and thrills than we could have ever imagined. More video games; more instant movie options. Not all bad, but why do we still hear, “I’m bored!” Do any of us live in the fullness of joy that God intends for us? What we all want deep within is (Galatians 5:22,23), the fruit of His Spirit. But very often we overlook the simplicity of the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control He longs to give us and settle instead [for a few moments of fireworks!
Pray for your children to be filled with fruits of the Spirit even in the midst of a world that does not put simple joy first. This can be modeled and learned, but to remain, it must grow with your child through a tender heart touched by the Spirit. Pray that they might find more joy in simple pleasures than in man-made thrills.
