A couple of days ago, as I was seeking God in prayer for direction, I began to thank Him for His faithfulness to me. As I recounted my blessings and how far He has brought me, my heart was overwhelmed and I couldn’t help but fall down on my face, in awe of His goodness.

Thankfulness – this is one area I really want to grow more and more in.

Recently my spiritual father Prophet Shyju Mathew made a profound statement.

He said: Lack of gratitude distorts your identity

That’s so powerful!

Indeed, a grateful heart is the sign of a rooted Christian.

I believe, the most simple way we can establish our children’s self worth or identity in Christ, is by teaching them to be grateful to God.

You see, a healthy self worth comes from understanding the truth about ourselves. And, because we are made in the image and likeness of Him, the more we know God and are thankful to Him, the more we will know ourselves and be secure in who He created us to be.

Be intentional in our thanksgiving

Yes, we can talk to our children about healing the sick, speaking in tongues, raising the dead, but before that they need to believe in who they are. And a good way to do that is by teaching them to be thankful every moment. This is especially needed for Gen Z that is more often than not complaining, grumbling or comparing themselves to others.

And, we do that by doing it ourselves!

As parents, let’s be intentional in thanking God. Lets have praise-breaks and time of thanksgiving with our families.

The more you know God, the more you will be thankful. That’s when the devil will not be able to trap you into insecurity, worry, jealousy or offence whether at your workplace, house or church. When your child is not made a part of the part of the youth worship team, or when he is not a selected to lead his class in his school, you will not be offended, nor will your child be!

A thankful person is one who knows who he is. He is secure in the love of God.

May you and your children grow in your identity this year, more than ever before!