What's Your Family Motto?
A motto is what one stands for, and what one aims to emulate or achieve. As your family grows in God-inspired graces, finding a motto can be an enjoyable and helpful activity.
By Caryl W. Krueger
Categories: Family You didn't know you had a motto? Well, researching the meanings of the word "motto," I found the usual definition (a slogan) plus two others I really like:
- what one stands for, and
- what one aims to emulate or achieve.
 Of course love, companionship, learning, and fun fill those definitions. But let's take it a step further – what do you stand for in terms of the spiritual aspect of family living? That can be quite a different answer.
As your family grows in God-inspired graces, finding a motto can be an enjoyable and helpful activity. It can be a family motto for the month or year, or a youngster's short-term or life-long aim. I know a family whose motto is "With God, all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
Take some time to talk about mottos and to share a variety of possibilities. Then choose one (for the moment, at least!) and post it on the refrigerator or a bulletin board. You'll find that it is soon memorized.
For Youngsters Or Family Mottos
The future: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3: 5, 6)
Knowledge: "Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
Ability: "...God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (II Corinthians 9:8)
Sports: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)
Coping with bullies: "...The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13: 6)
Making plans: "...we know that all things work together for good to them that love God...(Romans 8:28)
Sibling rivalry: "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him." (I John 2:10)
Fitting in: "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
For Busy Parents
Weariness: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Frustration: "Humble yourselves...that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (I Peter 5: 6, 7)
The future: "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7)
Health: "God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31)
The economy: "...God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Reassurance: "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him." (Psalm 91: 15)
Life: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (Psalm 23:6)
There are many more you already know or will surely find in your daily Bible study, so go for it! |
