The Gift of Values

Scripture Invitation

As we prepare our hearts for the word of God, I summon your senses and invite your intellect to the book of Proverbs, chapter 22, verse 6.

Bible Passage

Proverbs 22:6 KJV 1900

Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Introduction

My dear brothers and sisters, today we gather here to acknowledge the incredible responsibility and privilege we have as parents to shape the lives of our children.

It is our duty to instill in them the values that will guide and sustain them throughout their lives.

For it is these values that become their greatest gift to the world.

Illustration:

“Imagine a magnificent oak tree, firmly rooted in the soil, standing tall and strong against the winds of adversity.

This tree did not become what it is overnight.

It grew from a tiny acorn, nurtured by the right conditions and environment.”

Similarly, our children are like seeds, waiting to grow into mighty oaks.

The values we instill in them become their roots, shaping their character and determining their impact on the world.

Main Points Introduction

Let us now dive deep into the power of parental influence, the importance of investing in our children's character, their impact on future generations, and the eternal value of the values we pass down.

1. The Power of Parental Influence

Scripture: Proverbs 1:8-9

Proverbs 1:8–9 CSB

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and don’t reject your mother’s teaching, for they will be a garland of favor on your head and pendants around your neck.

Quote: "Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." - Anne Frank

Our role as parents is not to dictate every step our children take, but rather to guide them, provide them with wisdom, and set an example to follow.

Our influence, both through our words and actions, has the power to shape their character and future.

2. Investing in Our Children's Character

Scripture: Ephesians 6:4

Ephesians 6:4 CSB

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Quote: "Children are not vessels to be filled but lamps to be lit." - Swami Chinmayananda

Our children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge.

They are unique individuals with their own potential and purpose.

Our investment in their character, nurturing their strengths and values, allows them to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs their light.

3. Impacting Future Generations

Scripture: Psalm 78:4-7

Psalm 78:4–7 CSB

We will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed. He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children so that a future generation— children yet to be born—might know. They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands.

Quote: "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." - Billy Graham

The values we instill in our children do not just impact their own lives, but also have a ripple effect on generations to come.

They carry our torch forward, continuing the chain of goodness and righteousness that began with the first breath of humanity.

4. The Eternal Value of Values

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 6:19–21 CSB

“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Quote: "The only thing you take with you when you're gone is what you leave behind." - John Allston

Material possessions may fade and lose their value, but the values we instill in our children endure beyond this fleeting world.

When we prioritize character over possessions, we are investing in eternal treasures that will last far beyond our earthly existence.

Closing

As I close, what can we instill in our children?

1. Love and compassion:

Teaching children to love and show compassion towards others helps them develop empathy and kindness.

2. Honesty and integrity:

Encouraging children to be honest and act with integrity builds a foundation of trust and moral character.

3. Respect:

Teaching children to respect themselves, others, and the world around them fosters a sense of appreciation and empathy.

4. Responsibility:

Instilling a sense of responsibility helps children understand the importance of accountability and taking ownership of their actions.

5. Perseverance:

Teaching children to persevere through challenges and setbacks cultivates resilience and a growth mindset.

6. Gratitude:

Practicing gratitude allows children to recognize and appreciate the blessings in their lives, fostering a positive and content mindset.

7. Self-discipline:

Teaching children self-discipline helps them learn to regulate their emotions and actions, promoting self-control and long-term success.

8. Forgiveness:

Encouraging children to forgive others and themselves promotes emotional well-being and fosters healthy relationships.

9. Humility:

Teaching children to be humble and recognize the value in others cultivates a sense of gratitude and eliminates a sense of entitlement.

10. Faith and spirituality:

Instilling faith and spiritual values helps children develop a sense of purpose, a moral compass, and a connection to something larger than themselves.