invest in our friendships. Our world does not revolve solely around our family or our problems. As human beings, we all need each other.
Make a difference in the lives of others. It is our God-given responsibility to help others who are less fortunate than we are. The Bible says,
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, âGo, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,â but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17).
If you are a believer, you have a responsibility to help those in need. This is an act of faith that takes our belief beyond words and creeds. It moves us toward action. God made us to take care of others. Iâve found this to be a cyclic thing. When you start doing good to others, youâll notice others start doing good to you. When you help out someone, youâll find help just when you need it.
Teach your kids this cardinal lesson. Set the example for them. Do something that, as the movie title says, pays it forward. It can be as simple as picking up trash at your local park, volunteering at a charitable organization, or helping a neighbor mow her yard.
Most of us have been blessed beyond measure. God is pleased when we are faithful stewards of what we have. Teach your children to be generous, charitable, and aware of others. They will likely keep those same characteristics as adults and therefore live a more meaningful and enriching life. There is no greater gift than to help someone who is less fortunate than we are. The rewards far surpass anything tangible or material.
One Step at a Time
These are just a few areas in which you can be a role model. Donât get overwhelmed if you feel as if this list means you have to turn your life upside down. Take one recommendation at a time and focus on making the right adjustments in that area. You could start by shutting off the TV every now and then or throwing out all the junk food in your house. Once you think you have overcome an area, start working on another. If you find you are dealing with something thatâs too hard to change on your own, get outside help. Find a therapist or support group to help you.
We can no longer simply wish for change in our families; we have to initiate that change. Iâm not saying itâs going to be easy. Itâs like John Porter said, âPeople underestimate their capacity for change. There is never a right time to do a difficult thing. A leaderâs job is to help people have vision of their potential.â Your job as a mother or father is to lead your children by example. Show them what is possible for them. Help them see the vision of a healthy and fit lifestyle.
When God gave you your children, He entrusted you to take care of them to the best of your knowledge and ability. When you set a good example for your children, you are actually honoring and serving God in your actions. Trust Him to give you the strength to make the changes necessary to make your family the best it can be.
How Healthy Are You?
Here is a simple assessment to gauge the quality of your health. I recommend talking with your family doctor to determine if you are at a healthy weight and what, if any, medical problems you may have as a result of any excess weight.
Read these questions and review your answers (with a doctor if possible). Identify some areas that you may need to change or improve.
1. What is your blood pressure? __________. You can have your blood pressure checked by your doctor or visit a local pharmacy that offers self-service blood pressure stations. Compare your number to the chart below. Is it in a healthy range?
Â
Category
Blood Pressure
Normal
<120/80
Prehypertension
120â139/80â89
Hypertension: Stage
Make a difference in the lives of others. It is our God-given responsibility to help others who are less fortunate than we are. The Bible says,
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, âGo, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,â but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:14-17).
If you are a believer, you have a responsibility to help those in need. This is an act of faith that takes our belief beyond words and creeds. It moves us toward action. God made us to take care of others. Iâve found this to be a cyclic thing. When you start doing good to others, youâll notice others start doing good to you. When you help out someone, youâll find help just when you need it.
Teach your kids this cardinal lesson. Set the example for them. Do something that, as the movie title says, pays it forward. It can be as simple as picking up trash at your local park, volunteering at a charitable organization, or helping a neighbor mow her yard.
Most of us have been blessed beyond measure. God is pleased when we are faithful stewards of what we have. Teach your children to be generous, charitable, and aware of others. They will likely keep those same characteristics as adults and therefore live a more meaningful and enriching life. There is no greater gift than to help someone who is less fortunate than we are. The rewards far surpass anything tangible or material.
One Step at a Time
These are just a few areas in which you can be a role model. Donât get overwhelmed if you feel as if this list means you have to turn your life upside down. Take one recommendation at a time and focus on making the right adjustments in that area. You could start by shutting off the TV every now and then or throwing out all the junk food in your house. Once you think you have overcome an area, start working on another. If you find you are dealing with something thatâs too hard to change on your own, get outside help. Find a therapist or support group to help you.
We can no longer simply wish for change in our families; we have to initiate that change. Iâm not saying itâs going to be easy. Itâs like John Porter said, âPeople underestimate their capacity for change. There is never a right time to do a difficult thing. A leaderâs job is to help people have vision of their potential.â Your job as a mother or father is to lead your children by example. Show them what is possible for them. Help them see the vision of a healthy and fit lifestyle.
When God gave you your children, He entrusted you to take care of them to the best of your knowledge and ability. When you set a good example for your children, you are actually honoring and serving God in your actions. Trust Him to give you the strength to make the changes necessary to make your family the best it can be.
How Healthy Are You?
Here is a simple assessment to gauge the quality of your health. I recommend talking with your family doctor to determine if you are at a healthy weight and what, if any, medical problems you may have as a result of any excess weight.
Read these questions and review your answers (with a doctor if possible). Identify some areas that you may need to change or improve.
1. What is your blood pressure? __________. You can have your blood pressure checked by your doctor or visit a local pharmacy that offers self-service blood pressure stations. Compare your number to the chart below. Is it in a healthy range?
Â
Category
Blood Pressure
Normal
<120/80
Prehypertension
120â139/80â89
Hypertension: Stage
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