The New Creation Breaking In Period (Part 4)
Developing Godly Character Takes Time!
A child who accepts Jesus gift is a new creation in Christ Jesus; but, there may be a breaking in period. That old self with it’s sinful desires will not give up easily. Temptations will hit daily and the desire to partake will still be there. Developing godly character takes time.
Developing Godly Character Takes Time!
A child who accepts Jesus gift is a new creation in Christ Jesus; but, there may be a breaking in period. That old self with it’s sinful desires will not give up easily. Temptations will hit daily and the desire to partake will still be there. Developing godly character takes time.
The key is to feed the spiritual nature so it is more dominant in their mind and will hopefully be the “go to” voice in the heat of temptation. However, even when they mess up, they are still a new creation. Jesus paid for those sins already and will welcome their repentant heart. Praise God for grace, right!
I love how Pastor Ron Edmondson phrased this process in a tweet, “Salvation happens in a moment of surrender. Transformation is a process. Don’t get discouraged with those in the process. It’s often messy.”
Amen to that! It has been 38 years for me and I am still creating messes. AND God continues to forgive me and turn ALL my messes into usable fodder for His glory. I call that the Grace Cycle
This is the endurance/perseverance part of salvation. It can be frustrating and seem fruitless, especially when you are young, but it is essential. Children need to understand that it will be difficult at times; but, they are no longer tied to that old nature and are equipped to say no through Christ Jesus. Saying no to temptations will get easier over time.
In order for children to successfully live a life set apart for God we must teach them to guard their heart and mind, to recognize Satan’s schemes, expose his mind games, and to dispel his lies with Truth. Satan is fighting for their souls and If he can’t get them, he attacks their fruitfulness.
Children are on the battlefield. Maybe even more so than we are. I am so glad Jesus is with my boys especially when I can’t be. Praise God, for victory through Christ Jesus!
John 16:33
