Exhibiting a Bold Faith

It seemed such a minor thing yet it sparked a major conversation. For Constitution Day last week my son’s teacher asked for each parent to write a short discussion on which freedom we most cherish. I cherish them all but the first to come to mind was freedom of religion. My son read what I wrote and then made an interesting comment, one that lead to a discussion on his rights as a student and on how we can model the faith when our culture says we should not.

My son said he was surprised but at the same time not surprised at what I wrote. He was not surprised I wrote on freedom of religion because he knows where I stand in the faith and how Christ is important to me. But he was surprised because he thought such a response was against school rules. We discussed how my answer was in fact acceptable as it followed the context of the question asked. I was able to explain how he was free to express his faith in Christ even inside the school building. I think he was relieved to learn what the law says as opposed to what others think the law says but he was more impressed that I would be so bold as to declare my faith without hesitation.

As a true follower of Christ the most important desire I have for my children is for them to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I hope they choose the faith and live boldly in the name of the Lord. If I am not willing to set an example I become an obstacle standing in the way of the very thing I desire for their lives. I want to see bold faith in my children and that means I must exhibit bold faith in my own walk. I must do so, not for show, but out of genuine conviction.

By God’s design parents are the first example of the Christian faith children see. How we relate to Christ (true bold faith, indifferent belief, outright rejection) will set the tone for how our children approach God. If you are a true follower of Christ live the faith boldly both when your children are watching and when they are not. You never know what sort of fire you may ignite.