Modeling self-control for our kids and grandkids is important. Since young children have little self-control, Grandma Dianna shares how she taught her grandson about this virtue:
“My nine-year-old grandson was playing with a neighbor, and I asked them to stop being so rough with each other. Then I asked my grandson, ‘What is it called when we stop and ask ourselves if what we’re doing is appropriate?’
Without hesitation, he responded, ‘Self-control.’
‘Good,’ I said. ‘You’ve been listening to your Sunday-school lessons.’ I was especially pleased, because I’m his teacher.”
We started this series on the fruit of the Spirit with the aspect of love and now finish with self-control. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23). As I consider the aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, I don’t want to run my life, because when you add “I” to run, it becomes ruin.
Together, let’s commit to living self-controlled lives by the power of God’s Spirit.
Heavenly Father, we want to model self-control for our children and grandchildren. Help us follow You with wholehearted devotion and model Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit to our families. Strengthen our faith, help us walk uprightly, and let our lives bear much fruit for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Adapated from “Prepare to Model a Godly Life,” in Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting, written by Lydia Harris. With God’s help, Lydia desires to model self-control for her five grandkids and pass on a legacy of faith.
Reading God’s Story Schedule today, 7/23/13: Isaiah 38-39, 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32:24-33.
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About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
