Our Pasts Can Help Build a Foundation For Our Children's Faith.

I've set a goal for this year to read through the entire Bible. I've never actually read through the entire Bible and I know how important it is to be in God's Word. It's been challenging at times. There are days when I fall behind and have to catch up, however, despite difficulties that might arise I find myself looking forward to the time I get to spend in the Word. My days are different, better, and lighter when I start my morning off in the Word. I've felt and seen myself changed in these past few months simply because I have been reading the Bible.

Research has shown that if you engage in reading your Bible just four times a week

1. Feeling lonely drops 30%

2. Anger issues drop 32%

3. Bitterness in relationships drops 40%

4. Alcoholism drops 57%

5. Sex outside of marriage drops 68%

6. Feeling spiritually stagnant drops 60%

7. Viewing pornography drops 61%

8. Sharing your faith jumps 200%

9. Discipling others jumps 230%

Who doesn't like the sound of that?? Who wouldn't enjoy feeling better and having challenges start to dissipate? If you're looking for a change in your life, start by getting into the Word! I guarantee you, it will change your life!

Now, I didn't write this post just to share the stats on reading your Bible, while that is important, no doubt, I wanted to touch on the importance of telling our children the truth. In my readings, I've been working through Exodus, and in the Israelite's culture, before history was written down, it was passed along through the generations through verbal accounts. Can you imagine remembering your family history?

While I am thankful we have books and advanced technology that can help us in many areas, I also find it impressive that the Israelites could remember that much history. I think in our world today we lack a deep understanding and appreciation for our history because it's no longer shared face-to-face by those who have experienced it. We read about it in books, watch movies, or go to museums and while we can learn a great deal, there's power in hearing a first-hand account in person.

Another thing I learned while reading through Exodus is that Pharaohs wouldn't necessarily record how their reign ended, especially if it didn't end well. They didn't want that failure, that embarrassment recorded because then it was out there for everyone to see. Pharaoh, at the time of the Exodus, I am sure really didn't want to record what happened at the Red Sea, and yet I can't help but think that maybe if he had, he might have been able to help other nations know not to mess with Israel. Can you imagine being there when the seas parted? Watching that wall of water come crashing down on the Egyptian army? Can you imagine what it must have been like to live through the plagues and to see God's mighty power firsthand?

I see a similarity with why Pharaoh didn't record his horrific defeat against the Israelites and Christians today. Just like how Pharaoh didn't want a record of his past failures, Christians today don't want a record of our past sins. I can understand why, the shame that many of us already feel about our past and the shame that others place on us because of our pasts can almost be too much to bare and yet I wonder how many more lives might be changed if you were courageous enough to step forward and admit our shortcomings.

We're all sinful, we've all got a past, and we're all in need of forgiveness. And yet, we still hide some of our deepest secrets and carry them for most of our lives without telling anyone. Why? Why is it so hard for Christians to admit these things? Why can it be hard for Christians to show love and grace?

From what I've seen, firsthand and had the opportunity to speak with many individuals, when we open up about our pasts, it allows for lives to be changed. Think about the Bible, if the Bible had never been written those stats listed above wouldn't be evident. Think about Paul, if he hadn't been willing to be open and honest about his past of killing Christians, we wouldn't have much of the New Testament.

It is important to tell our children about God's work in our past, yes, even the really messy and sinful parts, and to help them see what he is doing right now. Your stories will form the foundations of your children's belief in God.

An example I have for you guys is that I personally know of two different women who have had an abortion. One of these women chose to tell her family and children about her past and the other didn't until later on after it was too late to help her child when they came forward and shared with them that they had an abortion. Think about these two women, which one do you think had a more positive impact on their children? I would argue that the women who shared with her family and more importantly her children was able to positively impact her kids into being a safe place to come to. When we share our sins, no matter what they are, we allow others to see the amazing work God has done in our life as well as show our children what not to do. We provide our children with the truth about the situation and give them support if they were to find themselves in a similar situation.

I think about the woman who chose not to tell her children about her abortion and the impact that had. Her very own child, later on in life chose to partake in an abortion. How might have that mom's courage to be open and honest about her past changed the life of her child? Now, I am by no means blaming that mother who didn't tell her child about her abortion. What I am saying is that no matter how dirty our past might be, it has the power to change lives, to help others from making the same mistakes. My heart breaks for that mother who had an abortion and I pray that she's found healing and freedom. My heart breaks for that individual who had an abortion as well and I wonder how their life and situation could have been different if their mother had been courageous to share.

Either decision has an impact, to stay silent or to speak out will change lives.

My encouragement to you today is don't allow the chains of shame to keep you silent anymore!

Start with a close friend, family member, mentor, or trusted individual. You never know the impact you might have on someone! And if you don't have someone in your life who you trust, please know that I am here for you.

Romans 8:1 tells us; "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

My friend, there is no condemnation!

Let your past be a foundation through which others can see Christ!