Promoting Christian Behavior

When you think about Christian behaviors, what comes to mind? Do not lie. Do not steal. Respect your elders. Honor your parents. The list goes on. As parents, we want our children to behave in a Christian way. We want them to follow God’s law and behave accordingly. But the Lord wants more than just “right” behavior.

“Funderstanding” is a renowned website focused on how children learn. It tells us that, “Behaviorism . . . only focuses on observable behaviors and discounts mental activities.” So focusing on behavior alone disregards the mind and the heart. We want the Good News Gospel to reach our children’s minds and hearts, so that they purposefully behave in loving ways.

In Luke chapter 10, Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.”

Encourage your kids to obey God from their hearts. Model loving God first and foremost. Teach them to serve others. Show them how to love their neighbors. Cultivate God’s ways in the hearts of your children. Your family will become more and more a Christian community that reflects the Good News of Jesus Christ in relevant and transforming ways!