A month or so ago, the Lord burdened my heart to dig deeper into what it means to be virtuous. He gently nudged me until I was completely committed to teaching our children what His word says about being a virtuous Christian. Our family understands our salvation is a gift from God, and after we ask Him to come into our hearts, He is there to stay! Ephesians 2:8 explains this well. But, we also understand that we are to let Christ shine through us by loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37). What a great command. I have learned that this is not possible without the Lord’s help and guidance. Unfortunately, I struggle with this EVERY DAY! Thank goodness, He is always willing to help me put my flesh to rest. Not only is He willing to help me, but He is also willing to help my children and my husband become more tenderhearted, too.
The conversation James and I had today made it clear why the Lord has put this burden on my heart!
Me: James, will you throw that paper away, please?
James: Yes, Mommy! I am being obedient!
Me: Wow! Yes, you are!
Can you guess which virtue we have been focusing on for a few weeks now? Can you spell it? O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E. I am so thankful that my oldest three children have hid this song in their hearts. They learned it from the children’s choir at our church. The words to this song have helped our family so much. Apparently the 3 year old mentioned above has been paying close attention. The verses we memorized to go with this song are John 14:15 and Ephesians 6:1. Our family has learned that John 14:15 has to be understood before the commandment in Ephesians 6:1 can take place!
Thank you Lord for helping me learn how to teach my children virtues! Teaching my children how to be virtuous is not only transforming their lives, but my life is being transformed as well. Helping my children understand why it is important for their actions to please the Lord has made me more cautious of whether or not my own actions are pleasing to the Lord. I have realized that it is so important not to teach in vain. God’s word is coming to life in our home, and I am so grateful. I know the world would be a happier place if more time was spent teaching children and (adults) virtues. I know this because our home is slowly becoming a happier place to live. Loving one another as Christ has loved us is becoming evident in our lives. And, my heart fills with joy just thinking about it.
From my past experiences as a public and private school teacher and now being a homeschooling mother of four, I have come to the realization that most children are more than willing to be virtuous if the TRUE meaning of why it is so important is taught. Don’t get me wrong, we have daily struggles in this house, but it is an honor to be able to go straight to God’s word to learn how to handle our conflicts! If we put forth the time and effort and call upon His name (something that I have struggled with in the past), He is so willing to listen and help.
I am so grateful that the Lord has taught Jamie and me to teach our children scriptures and virtues at a young age. The Lord has helped us realize that His word is so much more important than any other subject matter that is taught in homes, in public school systems, in private school systems, and any higher education system. Teaching my children God’s word is a burden that the Lord has strongly placed upon my heart, and I am so glad that He has placed it there. I pray that these verses and virtues will always stick with my children. I pray that they will always see the need to follow the words of II Peter 3:18, which is one of the first verses that Jacob and I learned together several years ago. It has helped me understand why my walk with the Lord is so important.
Making sure not to forget how to be obedient, we are now focusing on how to be patient with one another. (Boy, have I needed the practice! It has been so helpful.) Our verse is James 1:3, and the kids are continuously coming to me with examples of biblical people who had to show patience. Are you wondering how is it going? So far, so good! 🙂
A family that prays together, stays together! 😉
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
(I am clinging to this verse.)
Learning God's Way 
Beautifully written! We are working on being Kind. We have went through content, perseverance, obedient, attentive, patient and self controlled… Every since we started working on virtues a complete change took over our home… The kids were happier, I felt less stress, of course there still are the days we have to remind our selves how to walk in the path The Lord has showed us. It’s a great thing you are doing teaching your children the virtues, and your children are precious!
Yes, we also have to remind ourselves how the Lord expects us to walk in His path, too. It is so easy to loose focus sometimes. But, with God anything is possible. It is so wonderful to know that His mercy is always here.
Amanda, beautifully written! I know it comes from the heart. You have a beautiful family. You and Jamie are doing a wonderful job of raising your children, and I know The Lord will bless you for putting Him first in your lives. Love you!
Thank you, Mrs. Linda! Your kind words mean a lot to us. We love you!!