We heard a really good sermon today in church about how our parents can influence our faith.

The pastor was reading from Timothy and was explaining that Timothy got his faith from his mother and his grandmother, Lois and Eunice. He went on saying how even if one of you parents, say your father, isn't a believer your mother can strongly influence you. Even though one of the main roles of a father is to raise his family in the Word.

He went on to talk about genuine faith. As parents, if they are angry and fight at home, but then go to church pretend everything is okay, then that is a hypocritical faith. Children will be extremely confused by this. It will also effect how they grow up. It's like the phrase: "Practice what your preach."

Some kids don't have good influences in their lives and end up on a path of trouble. Some might not have parents who are believers, but make the choice to follow the Lord. There are even those who were raised in good Christian homes, but turned their back on the Lord.

It's amazing to see how much we as people, and as Christians, can be influenced by both the Lord and the world in different ways.

My question for you, my fellow Holy Worlders is: "What are some different ways you've been influenced in your life?" These can be either good or bad, I'm just curious. ^^

Blessings,

~Calen

I think one of the ways I've been influenced is seeing my parents happily married for 25 years; it's such a steadfast love and I believe it's kept our family strong by God's grace. I also have been greatly influenced by the good advice my Dad and Mother have given me over the years.

*chuckles * Well, this may sound weird, but I have been greatly influenced by the way I grew up, and the experiences I have had in my life. Because of the things I went through and endured as a child/young adult, I am who I am today. The unsaved status of my family when I was a child, the things that we went through, all of that shaped me into the young woman I am today. I am able to speak out on, and witness to many people and situations that I would not have understood had I not go through those rough patches. The Lord works everything together for a purpose, even the time of our salvation. Had I grown up in a Christian home as a child, I would be a different person. The way I look at certain situations would probably have been different. I see friends of mine whom the Lord has blessed incredibly with a Christian family from birth, and I do not approach situations the same way they do.

The fact that I went through public school until the 5th grade makes me more aware and informed on certain things than some of my homeschooled friends.

While I endured a lot of pain because of my previous life, I am able to look back over it with gratefulness, because all of that shaped me to who I am today. And the Lord has also used that past life to make me more grateful for my rescue from bondage.

That was well said, Calen, and a good thread idea. You've made me stop and ponder what has been a great influence to me. Looking back, though I didn't see it at the time, my Grandma was a wonderful influence on me. She was one of those people who were exceptional. She had the sweetest nature, and didn't feel ill towards anyone; even those who hurt her. Thinking of how she bore things has influenced how I respond to things in life.

Another great influence, probably more important, has been my parents. I believe it is important to see how your parents react to different situations because whatever the case, it can show you how to, or not to respond in life. I'm grateful for the times I've seen my parents struggle, work it out, and continue their lives. It's shown me that married life is just as imperfect as single life, and you will have struggles in whichever the Lord gives you. It's how you sort it out that matters.

I have also been influenced by how my parents disciplined me as a child and the responsibilities they gave me. Each thing that happened in my childhood prepared me for challenges I had on the way, and for them I am very grateful.

There were many times in my life I could see Satan's attack, but I'm thankful the Lord was always with me. No matter what your life was like, it's a blessing to know that God will bring something good out of every situation, no matter how bad it is.