Declaring identity over your little ones - for Christian parents

There is something to be said about how unfiltered a child’s emotions are. As adults,

we try to cover up and mask our feelings that are not deemed as ‘appropriate’ in any

given situation. But children do not feel this need. They will throw themselves on the

floor and refuse to move, despite a crowd of eyes nervously watching: a beautiful

mess. And if they truly enjoy something you don’t have to guess how they’re feeling

because there will be squeals of delight and laughter filling the air.

Imagine if you completely gave in to every emotion just for one morning – not even a

full day: Would you get out of bed? Would you make it to work? Would the dog be

fed and the electricity bill paid? Would you brush your teeth? Would you sing and

dance along to the music? Would you play? How about the rest of your family, would

they survive without you ‘on duty’?

We have complicated our lives with a lot of clutter that can actually distract us from

being exactly who God made us to be – with no filters. There are so-called

‘important’ or ‘real’ things that motivate us to apply a thick layer of OK over our faces

every morning. We have to cope. We have to keep it together. We have to keep

going. We have to make an impact.

But God created humankind to be children first. I wonder if there’s something about

our identity in Christ that is hidden in our emotions. There might be some glimmer of

our true untarnished identity hidden in every laughter. I read earlier this week that a

baby laughs 300 times a day! (If you’re like me, you can’t remember the last time you

really laughed a lot) What was our true identity as a child in the Father’s hands

before the world had any impact on us?

Here are some Scriptures you can use to declare identity over your children (and

yourself)...

- 1 John 3:2

- 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

- Matthew 5:14-16

- Ephesians 2:10

I want to share a helpful declaration that I wrote for our children’s ministry at church.

These statements are based on Scripture and very simple to remember. They had to

be; the youngest kids are aged 4! But when my team-mate and I shared this with our

church staff, there was a moment of silence in the room. My first response was

embarrassment and wondering what we did wrong, but then they spoke up: “I need

that!” “Oh my, can I get a copy of that!” “Seriously, this is golden.” “I’ll put it on my

mirror!”

Adults also need reminders that not everything is serious. We need God to hold us

like little children and declare our true identity over us. We need the help of the Holy

Spirit to read Scripture over ourselves and maybe even believe it is true.

So, whether you’re a parent or a teacher, or any other reader, I hope this helps you

to remember your identity in Christ. Also, it might be beneficial to share with your

kids!

My thoughts are fixed on Jesus

He makes me really wise

He is the one who sees us

I have Kingdom eyes

My ears can hear His voice

And He tells me what to do

With my mouth I will rejoice

My words are kind and loving too

My heart is where He stays

It’s where everything begins

These hands I will raise

They’ll only do good things

My feet can walk around the earth

To share with everyone

This body has a lot of worth

Now let’s go have some fun!