One hundred religious persons knit into a unity by careful organization do not constitute a church any more than eleven dead men make a football team. The first requisite is life, always. —A.W. Tozer

I hope this idea doesn’t take you by surprise. Men, we can no longer just take our kids to church and hope it rubs off on them.

Our children need proof that salvation is worth the effort and that God is worthy of our devotion. They need to see an authentic Christian faith that’s making a real difference in a real person’s life. Dad, you’re nominated.

What’s the plan? Start by letting them observe you seeking God’s will and applying God’s truth to your daily challenges. Let them see how God works in your life. With wisdom, you may even need to share stories of how you’ve struggled with sin and its sordid repercussions. Make sure to finish each disclosure with the confirmation that only through Christ did you find rescue and healing.

This is what Paul was talking about when he wrote,

Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. —Philippians 2:12-13

Just to clarify. Paul wasn’t telling the Philippians to work for their salvation. That work has already been done on the cross. He was saying to work out your salvation. To put your faith into action. To allow God to work in and through you.

If your faith is something you just wear, your kids will not be impressed. But if your faith is something that works, it will leave quite an impression.

What about you?

You have a story that needs to be told. A before-and-after story of your life before and after Christ. Don’t make something up. But do paint a dramatic word picture of how Jesus has changed your life. Practice sharing it with a friend. Then share it with your kids.

Adapted from: One-Minute Devotions for Dads. Copyright © 2012 by Jay Payleitner. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Used by permission.