Yesterday, I had a young man meet me at my office to discuss baptism. He was raised in a different faith but has been attending our church for quite some time. I was excited about his initiative – through our friendship, he actually approached me with his questions.
As we began, I explained the differences between the beliefs common in the Baptist denomination and those common in the faith of his childhood. We discussed the importance of having a real life relationship with Jesus. We also discussed the reasons for following through with Jesus’ example of baptism.
Then we moved on to being a part of a church family and the benefits of actually putting down roots and getting involved.
Through all of this discussion he was in agreement and had his mind made up that he wants to “go public” with his decision. He wants to make it official and get plugged into our 1st B family. So we began to discuss the process that our church recognizes for taking this step. He has been in our services long enough to have seen the process play out and he is ready to take that step.
All of what I have shared here is exciting. But what he said next made me sit back in my chair. He relayed to me that he knows this is what he needs to do for his own journey, but he also really wants his young daughter to see her dad take this stand.
Parents, it is so important for you kids not only to hear what you have to say about faith and following Jesus but to also see you modeling it for them. Kids have the innate ability to sense “fake.” We can tell them all their lives what they should do and how they should live but if we are not living it out in front of them, our words and empty and meaningless. You have to live it.
Make sure you model Jesus’ love for your family today!
Be blessed!
Clay in the Hands 
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