Seeking the Kingdom

At the end of the day, what is important?  So much happens everyday, and I pray that I am training my kids in a way that brings glory to God.  Everyday I fail.  I fail as a parent, and I fail as a child of God.  But, I must be willing to acknowledge the mistakes, and the sin.  I must confess before God; and when necessary, I must seek forgiveness from my children.

Seeking the kingdom of God first and foremost is not easy.  In fact, I would say in today's day it is one of the most difficult things we can do.  Sports, Education, Entertainment, Intelligence, Money, Recreation, all of it quickly crowds out the important aspects every day.  Ultimately, does it matter if my child gets an A on the test?  Does it matter if my child can hit the baseball?  Does it even matter if my house is perfectly clean and presentable 100% of the time?  No, what matters is that I teach my children to do all things without murmuring and complaining.  That my children learn the value of sharing the Gospel with their friends and neighbors.  That my children learn to have compassion on those less fortunate, and choose not to judge those who don't behave exactly as they do.  What matters is that I live a life pleasing to God and make the most of every moment and every opportunity to teach my children about God.

Each and every morning, as I exit my bed I need to challenge myself to be with my children and train them not by words, but by example.  The day is half over, and what have I taught my children today?  Have I taught them of God's love? or have I told them the computer, or television, or book I'm reading is more important?  Am I stressing a passion for God's Word or a passion for the adventure in a piece of fiction?  Every word I say and every move I make is being watched and heard.  What are they learning today?