Imperfect ParentingSample

Character

Having character is more than what people think we are. It’s actually who we are, especially when no one is around. We all have character. The question is, what kind do we have? Are we honest and kind or selfish and rude? To have the kind of character that will bring success in our lives will take effort. 

The thing about good character is that we know when it’s present in someone’s life and when it’s not. As parents, we want to see our children grow in character and exhibit “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,” which is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). So, how do we build character in our children? Show and tell.

Show

If we want to see a strong, resilient character in our kids, we must demonstrate it. As the adage goes, “More is caught than taught.” Our children are watching our every move, and if we think we are hiding things from them, we must think again. If we want them to live honest lives or show kindness to everyone, then we must live that way. If our children are going to be the kind of people who can apologize for their mistakes, then we must be those people, too. Even if it means we are apologizing to them and asking for their forgiveness when we fail them. 

Tell

In addition to showing our children good character, we must teach them as well. We are given such a short amount of time to train them before they begin to live their own lives. So, let’s make every moment count. We must teach them how to work hard and earn things in their lives. They will make mistakes and fail, so we guide them in getting back up and trying again. When they succeed in an activity, we explain to them that they should receive prizes and compliments with gratitude, not arrogance. 

We’re given a huge responsibility by God to train our children on this earth. A huge part of that is who they become. In this, we have to decide if it’s more important for our kids to succeed in school, sports, and popularity, or for good character to be built. We can trust that “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4 NIV). While we can’t make our kids become someone, we can most certainly do our part by investing in them and trusting the Holy Spirit to do the rest.