A Culture of Yes

I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.–Galatians 5:16

Some may wonder why people who want to lose weight pay so much money to join a weight loss group of some kind; after all, weight loss is simply a matter of using more calories than you take in. While it may be rightly proposed that some systems have maximized certain food combinations to better aid in weight loss, the real reason to join a group is for the camaraderie, accountability, encouragement, and vision. The same is true for the family.

The best and most long-lasting way of realizing a self-controlled lifestyle is not continually emphasizing the negative but in promoting the positive. While Paul does give plenty of prohibitions throughout his writings, he prioritized his approach by telling the Galatians if they are busy walking in the Spirit (positive) they will not have the same likelihood to fulfill the lusts of their flesh (negative). This is giving a proper vision.

Our children have to be taught what self-control is. It is not about earning salvation or trying to impress God. Instead, it knows that the Lord has created us to function in a certain manner and when we walk in that way, we honor Him, find sweet communion, and experienced increased joy. David referred to this state when he said, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

We want to create a culture of “Yes” in our home by telling our children when they control their thoughts, words, and actions, it will produce a sweet relationship with Jesus. The Christian walk is therefore not simply about a bunch of negative rules but a world of opportunities to walk as Jesus would have us to walk.

We should constantly be casting a vision of walking in the Spirit. Why? First, this is what pleases our Savior. That in itself should be motivation enough but there is more. The hope of heaven should fuel our fire as well. But we do not have to wait for eternity to experience the “pleasures” of God as His eyes are constantly going to and fro over the earth, looking for someone on whose behalf He can be strong. (2 Chron. 16:9) We should seek to inspire our children to be the recipients of that reality.

Folks who are losing weight often see themselves in a smaller dress size or smaller waist. They may think of how much better they will feel when they lose that spare tire around the gut. Longer life may also be an added motivation for some. Similarly, there are so many advantages in living a self-controlled lifestyle before God. As we continue to talk with our children about the importance of showing self-control in every area of their lives, let us be sure to create a culture of “Yes” for all the good God will do in their lives.