Do They Get It?

"When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it.  He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.”  Genesis 22:9

I’d like to believe that I’m making a difference in the lives of my children.  I’d like to think that they are learning some things from me.  I’d like to feel that my faith is becoming their faith.

But how do I know?

In Genesis 22 we read how God tested Abraham through his son Isaac.  Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac, the son of promise, was born.  Now God had called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a means of demonstrating that nothing would have priority over Abraham’s relationship with God.  As we read this account, the picture of God’s sacrifice of His Son is clear.

But as I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac, I was struck by what Isaac did not do.  No struggle; no challenge; no running away.  How could Isaac just lay there and allow his father to kill him?  We don’t know how old Isaac was at the time.  I’ve read suggestions from early elementary-age to early adult.  Regardless, it appears that Isaac was a willing participant in his own sacrifice.

I believe Isaac didn’t struggle because he got it.  He had faith in his father and in his father’s God.  Whether for 5 years or 25 years, Isaac had watched his father’s relationship with God.  He saw Abraham’s faith and devotion grow year after year.  And now, when challenged, both he and his father passed the test.

Our kids are watching what we do with our time, with our money, with our faith.  But rather than just hoping they get it, we must be intentional at teaching the lessons.  This past weekend was one of those teachable moments.  (If you don't know what I'm talking about, send me a note and I'll explain)

Our time as a church at Wal-Mart was nothing less than amazing.  It was great walking up and down the aisles with the people we were worshiping with 30 minutes earlier.  It was humbling to realize how far basic food items could really go.  It was wonderful seeing empty shelves knowing this meant people were being generous.

But did you take advantage of this opportunity to help your kids grow?  Did you take your kids shopping or did your kids go shopping with you?  Did you share and teach and explain what was going on?  I hope you did.

And if you did, you are on your way to helping your kids get it.