Is your heart connected with your child's heart?

Maybe the first question should be what do you want for your children?  Do you want them to be successful in business?  Have a good marriage?  Have a lot of friends?

A healthy spiritual life is usually something Christian parents desire for their children as well.  We want them to be saved, be involved in church, and serve others.  But is that all?  Do you want just the status quo?  I don't.  I want more.  I want to know my children love Jesus with all their hearts.  I want them to have a passion for His Word.  I want them to serve him diligently and faithfully.  I want them to love and serve others with a servant's heart.

Here is where the heart connection comes in.  Most likely our children will be just like us.  If we are angry, they will be angry.  If we are prejudice, they will be prejudice.  If we are critical, they will be critical. 

Just like negative character traits can be caught, positive ones can be as well.  Do your children see you begin your day with Jesus in Bible study and prayer?  Has one ever "caught" you on your knees, tears streaming down your face, as you intercede with the Father?  Do they see you helping a neighbor in need by taking a meal to them while they are sick?

These small actions can have a big impact on the spiritual development of our children.  They know what is important to mom and dad by what they see us doing.  We may not always be aware, but they are watching us.  Lets make sure they see Jesus in all we say and do.  This will be the best foundation to solid heart connections that will stand up to the test of those sometimes awkward teen-age years.