Show me your ways

Have you ever wondered why Missouri is called the "Show Me" State?

While much of the state's history is tied to the mighty rivers that flow through it, the "Show Me State" got its nickname because of the devotion of its people to simple common sense. In 1899, Rep. Willard D. Vandiver said, "Frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I'm from Missouri. You've got to show me."

Over the years how often have we had to "show" our kids how to do different tasks. Whether it was when they were young or a teenager learning how to drive etc.? You may even have little ones now and you are thinking about how many times you've had to say "no" in order to show them right from wrong.

What is also equally important is what they learn simply from watching our behavior when we interact with others or how we handle unexpected challenges. Are we responding positively or negatively?

How are we influencing and shaping our families by our actions?

It makes me want to be more mindful of how I talk or treat others, and to pause and pray before getting upset about anything that is out of my control. It even prompts me to ask myself this question, am I living out my faith so they can see how to overcome obstacles by relying on God? If I'm not living out my faith than how will my boys know to do this?

The Bible is FULL of lessons where Jesus shows us how to be the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I challenge you to think about this in your own life as well. Look for ways to live out your faith so that your kids can witness your love and reliance on God. And when prayers are answered, point those out to your children so they can witness God working in your life as well. By sharing answered prayers, it eliminates the question "Is God real?"

A prayer we should say every morning is this: Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Psalm 91 as it is full of reminders of how God will take care of you and protect you when you rely on Him.

Psalm 139:9-10 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

One of my favorite songs is "Lead Me" because it reminds me that I need to make sure I am leading my family and those around me in the way God would want me to. I love the lyrics "Oh Father show me the way to lead them, won't you lead me" because it reminds me that I need to ask for God's help when I am showing my kids the way. Just as God shows me the way he wants me to go!

I hope this message encourages you to ask God "show me your ways" so that you can begin taking steps toward a more intimate relationship with Him. May we all lead our lives in a way that is glorifying Him.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime