One of the most beautiful things about parenthood is watching those children grow and develop. We as parents have this unique ability to see these precious people, their strengths and weaknesses. And we can help shape them to become the people God called them to be.

I often look into the eyes of my children as I’m speaking to them. Their eyes glow when we speak positively about them. When they see that they are loved and embraced, they gleam.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. -Proverbs 18:21

I recently heard a parent discussing with their kid about when that child walked away from God. He is now an adult with a family and in full-time ministry. That child believed in God, but they walked away from walking in His ways. They began to party in their high school years. And the thing that brought them back to God was his mind recalling the things his parents had spoken over him.

His parents reminding him of who he is in Christ brought him back.

Encouragement is great. It’s amazing. It does wonders for the brain. But…

Nowadays, we have a world screaming at our children, telling them lies. Truth is fluid! You can be a fox if you want to! I identify as 13! Absolute confusion. On top of the things bombarding them on tv, in schools, nowadays parents are giving their kids phones at younger ages. And if those kids use social media, their naive young minds are open for the wrecking.

If the parents don’t stand up and stop being complacent, who is going to teach our children? It is our responsibility to remind our children of who they’re called to be. Who they are in Christ.

God didn’t send His son to die on the cross so our children can sit around scrolling more confused than ever. He called them and has a purpose for their lives. They are called to build the kingdom of God. They are called to make a difference in this world. They are called to love others. They are called to know Jesus intimately. And they are called Gods own children.

As a child, I myself heard negative things about myself from a parent. It took me 27 years of life to realize that I wasn’t who my parent said I was. That parent didn’t know who they were in Christ. So they weren’t able to translate that to me. They didn’t like who they were, so they projected that onto me. When the Lord revealed this to me, I was freed. I was able to understand that those words were just that… words. I ate the fruit of those words because I believed them for too long.

Let’s stand up and begin to look at what God’s word says about US. So we know that God’s word says about our children. I encourage you today, look it up! The word of God is alive.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12

If your child is confused, discouraged, hopeless, or insecure, speak the word of God. The word of God is the ultimate truth. And nothing can refute the word of God. Just doing that alone will do wonders in the heart and mind of your children.

I encourage you to find the scriptures that you believe your child needs and speak them over them. Here are some examples:

• You are the salt of the earth. You make a difference in those around you. (Matthew 5:13)
• You are a child of God. Loved by Him. (John 1:12)
• You are chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. You are special and set apart. (John 15:16)
• You have been established, anointed and sealed by God in Christ, and have been given the Holy Spirit. (2 Cor 1:21)
• You have direct access to God through the Spirit and are able to speak to Him and hear Him. (Ephesians 2:18)
• Be strong and courageous, the Lord is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

And this is just a start. Take the list and run with it. Find the scriptures for yourself, your children, and speak them over them. Every day if you have to. So that they know WHO they are and WHO’S they are.