Inside Counts Most

Leon FontaineDevoted

Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning…But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart…. 1 Peter 3:3–4 (AMPC)

There are all sorts of families in this world: blended and single parent families, families who have adopted or who are fostering kids, and your traditional family of two parents and one or more children.

People seem to assume that the family structure determines whether or not you raise great kids. As a result, they assume that single parents need to find a second parent if they want their kids to succeed and be happy in life.

While I’m not suggesting this is a bad idea, we have to be careful. Creating the “perfect” family doesn’t solve every problem and it doesn’t guarantee kids who love and serve Jesus.

Other crucial elements trump having a traditional family, which is why many single parents raise amazing kids. One crucial element involves the topic of identity. It is vital that kids learn who they are in Christ.

Whether you grew up without a mom or a dad, are raising kids solo, are in blended family situation or none of the above, we all need to understand our identity as members of God’s family. This knowledge is much more important than where you’ve come from or even how you’re currently living.

We get so focused on the external parts of our lives, but the internal part of us is much more significant. We need to teach kids skills for life such as how to brush their teeth, comb their hair and use manners. It’s also fine to want to look your best. But don’t ignore this inner part—because we all need to know who we truly are.