April 16, 2008
“Thoughtful & Productive Influence”
Dear Friend,
A major difference between humans and animals is the length of time it takes to raise our offspring. Our culture generally agrees that that the first 18 years of life require thoughtful, proactive parenting. No other animal invests as much time as we do before releasing our “young” into the great realm of life.
Raising our kids requires more than just time. It also requires thoughtful and proactive teaching and modeling. Here are five focus areas in which we can be influential with kids:
Morals – This helps our youth internalize standards of right and wrong.
Health – Good physical and emotional practices permit kids to experience physical and emotional well-being.
Economics – Thoughtful adults teach kids to create budgets where they spend less than they earn, then save and invest wisely.
Community – The ability to relate well, set boundaries and be productive in small teams is foundational for kids to enjoy in the future what our founding fathers gave us in the past.
Spiritual – We must teach our children who God is, and how He works. “We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord ….” Psalm 78:4.
If you have children and grandchildren, I encourage you to learn new skills to be influential with them. We must all be open to help, encourage and inspire any children God brings to our attention. We do this first, because it is humane, but also because we are Christians, and Christ taught us to value “the little ones.”
Doc
Dr. Dave Collings
Lead Pastor
Christ Church
