Creating and Environment of Responsibility in our Homes

We all want our children to grow up and be responsible right?

What is the best way to teach them this responsibility? Should we just give them everything we think they need to make the right decisions or should we allow them to work towards responsibility by giving them little and letting them earn more and more as they show they are responsible for little like in vineyard parable of Jesus?

I don't know what is the correct answer for your kids in your home, but I have a selection from a book I have been reading that sums of the need to build an environment of responsibility.  The book is called Spiritual Parenting and is written by Michelle Anthony.  The book is very good and I recommend it to any parenting looking to parents with a model that includes God.  Here are her words about creating an environment of responsibility in our homes.

"Ultimately, the concept of creating an environment of responsibility in our homes is a charge from God that encompasses a variety of areas. First, it captures the ability to take ownership before God for one's life, gifts, and resources. Second, it challenges us to take responsibility for those in our family and our spiritual family in Christ, for their well-being. Lastly, it calls us to see out in love those who are hurting, poor, and spiritually lost, recognizing our responsibility to those who don't yet know Jesus and His forgiveness.

The early church described in the book of Acts took these three things seriously. As they were awakened to their new life in Christ through the Holy Spirit, they lived radically different lives. With great sacrifice, they generously gave of their time, talents, money, homes and meals to anyone who was part of their new family in God. In addition, these same people sought to take care of the poor, the outcast, the lost, and the homeless in their towns. They lived what they believed, and it was compelling to those who were watching. In this environment where each person took responsibility for himself and for those around him, the church grew like wildfire! It was unstoppable!"

Imagine Wentzville if we would teach our kids how to be responsible to God, their family, and their community!  What a world of difference it could make.  The church of Acts did this without hesitation in a world where they should have feared for their lives as new believers in Christ.  However, they did not fear and instead they reached out with everything they had to serve others. What a great attitude we should have and we can teach our children.

With the busyness of the holidays almost done, take some time to slow down and look for teachable moments in and around your community were you can serve the people you live with.  Maybe its someone from WCC or maybe its a complete stranger in your neighborhood.  Whoever and whatever it is, take the time to not only do the deed for someone but to also have a conversation with your kids about our responsibility to those who we are helping because we believe in God.