The world measures success by four simple metrics: wealth, beauty, power and fame. You don’t have to read very far into the pages of the Bible to realize that, more often than not, God uses weak, broken, unknown and undesirable people to do His best work.
If we aim our children at the world’s view of success we are definitely aiming low because God has something much better in mind. Why just be successful when you can be Truly Great? True Greatness is a passionate love for God that demonstrates itself in an unquenchable love and concern for others. God has amazing plans for us and our kids that we often miss because we are lured into and focus on earthly success. Helping our kids reach their full spiritual potential means we as parents need to model four heart traits.
A Humble Heart
A reverence for God and a respect for others.
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
(Philippians 2:3,4 ESV)
A Grateful Heart
An appreciation for what you have and Who has given it.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
A Generous Heart
A great delight in sharing with others what God has entrusted to you.
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
(Luke 6:38 ESV)
A Servant’s Heart
A willingness to take action in order to help someone else.
“And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.””
(Matthew 25:40 ESV)