The world and its evolving definitions of “cool” and “successful” will always be a temptation for us and our kids to look to for worth and satisfaction. Braxton points us back to scripture for how we can remind our kids where their true value is found. (October will be a repeat of topics as we are working to create a new Family Matters experience for you!)

Scripture

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Reflect

American culture likes to define success by grades, degrees, salary figures, and by the amount of material objects one can accumulate. We don’t have to look far into the wisdom writings (namely Proverbs and Ecclesiastes) in the Scriptures to see that even someone with the wealth and prosperity of King Solomon is still left dissatisfied operating outside of the context of God’s love.

Thankfully for us, God’s Word is full of affirmation, encouragement, and the realization of the identity we seek in Him that we are too often tempted to satisfy with things of the world. We belong to Him, and we are His.

There is no better way to remind our kiddos of this than to look at the way the Scriptures validate it. Let’s take a look:

• You are a friend of Jesus (John 15:15). Humans long for friendship and community. If we are told specifically and without hesitation in God’s Word that we are invited into friendship with Him, then our desire should change from a need to find friends to a drive to be a friend. Call others friends who you trust, show them the love Jesus shows us. Jesus calls you a friend of His, there is no better friend to have.
• You are a part of Christ’s body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:27). Be it a sports team, academic club, or group of friends, we all long to be a part of something bigger than we are as individuals. God’s Word tells us we are a part of His body of believers…there’s no skillset required, no cutting from the team, no unfair coach or referee – just a loving Father who wants to bless us and bless others through us.
• You are equipped and gifted by Him (Ephesians 1:3). We also live in a culture that loves to compare. Compare looks, intelligence, skills – the list goes on. God’s Word tells us He is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), and that He is the one who equips us to do good works in His name (Hebrews 13:20 & 21). We should be confident in knowing that He is the one who uniquely crafted each and every one of us in His image, and with individual giftings to use for His glory and honor.

When circumstances get our kids down, let’s soak them in the truth of God’s Word…that they are dearly loved, bought and paid for with Jesus’ life, and have a purpose God is working in them this very day!

Camper Corner

God’s Word says that you are a friend of Jesus, a part of His body of believers, and that you are equipped by Him. What are some ways you can remind yourself of all of the good and encouraging things your God and Father in Heaven says about you when the world says something different?