“As a man thinks in his heart so is he” -Prov. 23:7

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An American poet once penned these words:  “ A man is what he thinks about all day…”

Consistently spoken words have the inherent potential of becoming thoughts that later affect out emotions, decisions and actions. Persistent actions have the ability of forming habits that will progressively mold and shape our character and eventually guide us to our final destination in life.

School is back in session and a multitude of eager students have recently returned to class and perhaps one of those young men and woman is your own. Their lives are being framed and configured, molded and shaped, edified or perhaps destroyed and your influence as parents is huge. It is our responsibility as parents to “train up our children in the way they should go so that when they are older they don’t depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). Our words are instrumental in “training them up” and helping them become all that God has called them to be.

I once heard a story about an Indian chief who patiently shared his wisdom with his young grandson. He explained that every man has two wolves that live in their minds and they are constantly fighting against each other. One is good however the other one is bad. The bad one is mean, jealous, resentful, hateful, unforgiving, lazy and prideful. The good one, on the other hand, is loving, caring, disciplined, forgiving, meek and wise. The grandson attentively listened and asked, “Grandfather, which of the two wins?” The Indian chief replied, “The one you feed the most.”

As parents we must be mindful of what we are feeding the minds of our children; are we encouraging or discouraging, uplifting or putting down? Are we reiterating God’s word by reminding them that they are “wonderfully and fearfully made”, that they are “victorious in Christ Jesus” or are we feeding them resentment, unforgiveness and hatred and thus allowing bitterness to settle in their minds and hearts?

Yesterday’s thoughts are today’s reality and today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s destiny.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to minister to several men at a local halfway home. They were straight out of prison and currently undergoing rehab. As I spoke to them as a group I asked all 20 of them a question: “Who has impacted your life the most?” Nineteen of them replied: “my father”. I proceeded to ask them the next question: “Was it positive or negative?” – their reply “NEGATIVE!” I inquired if their dad’s had ever told them that they would end up in prison some day…ALL but one said yes. My heart sank as I felt a burden for these men. The youngest perhaps 19 and the oldest in his late 50‘s… common denominator – the same words were spoken over their lives and those paternal declarations became their destiny – PRISON.

Our words can imprison or liberate, they can curse or bless.

As parents we have the ability to leave an indelible imprint in the minds and hearts of our children – an indentation that will map out their lives guiding them to their final destination in life.

Are you guiding your children in the direction that God has planned for them…what will their ultimate destination be?

Shalom,

Milton