As we close in on voting day, we're all analyzing the candidates. We're hoping they will help our country grow stronger and enact legislation that will set us on a good course.

Unfortunately, some matters we can't legislate.

Behavior is a problem not because we don't have rules in place, but because hearts aren't in the right order to start with. Without right hearts we won't have right guidelines for good results. This starts with individuals, not with legislation for a nation.

The same is true in our children's lives. We can make all kinds of rules for behavior, but what our kids really need is guidance about becoming people who want to obey and know the difference between right and wrong. That's a matter of the heart.

The good heart will eventually make wise rules that benefit everyone. The bad heart will make rules that only serve itself.

What is the most powerful way to change our nation? I would submit that the answer is Christian parenting.Parents who decide to position Jesus as the example raise children who serve, children who love, and children who want to do what's right.

This process, of course, isn't failsafe. Free will allows each individual to choose a path, no matter what values were taught in the home. The way is narrow that leads to life. But when we teach it, how much more likely are our children to succeed? How much more will they be able to contribute to a nation blessed because they honor God? And how much more likely will they be to return to standards of integrity, even if they wander?

This is why PurityWorks exists - to champion the pursuit of these pure hearts, resulting in citizens who will change not only a nation but a world. With a good heart comes all the benefits of righteousness (of which there are many - read Proverbs 10 and 11 and make a list).

Who knows who our president may be in the coming years? If we're intentional, we can raise leaders who bring a pure heart to the White House and other positions of influence. And that would change not only our rules, but allow other hearts the same opportunity to do good.

Don't give up. The culture may be hostile, but God is good. And when our hearts intend to follow Him, He supports us. In fact, His eyes look over all the world, looking to support those who are fully committed to Him. Make that commitment to your family, your country and the world around us today by intentionally pursuing pure hearts in your home.

My dad is a squirrel lover. When he comes to his Florida place for a vacation from farming in Ohio, he loves to watch the squirrels in the backyard. To keep them interested, he’s built feeding contraptions between the trees outside the back window. These twirling PVC pipes with cobs of feed corn on the end are a source of constant entertainment as a type of “squirrel circus” ensues.

But it’s not easy for the squirrels at first. Each one is tentative the first time they attempt to crawl out on the crazy whirligig. But eventually the desire for corn overcomes them, and soon they are expert performers. Their sense of balance and agility is amazing. They even eat hanging upside down by their back legs! Now that’s determination.

How determined are you?

Determination is powerful. Think of the last time you were really determined to do something. Maybe you received a bill that was a mistake. You might have spent hours on the phone, finding your way through the answering machine maze and talking to a number of people. But you did whatever it took to get your money back.

That’s what determination is – doing whatever it takes. And not just in the big things. Sometimes it takes determination just to get out of bed. If you struggle with depression, have been through a family breakup, or are facing other dire circumstances, that simple obstacle can be terribly intimidating. Set your feelings aside and be determined!

I remember the first time our family planned to take an overseas flight. I was terrified of the plane trip. In the end, I just had no say, “No matter what, I am getting on that plane.” I was determined to get to the other side of the Atlantic! I recognized later that many people would have been kept from my help, had I given in to fear.

In the same way, your child needs determination. Teach them to set reasonable goals and be determined to reach them, to persevere and not give up! When they learn perseverance and the satisfaction of a goal reached, they will do better in everything (read James 1:2-4).

Life is not going to hand us our “corn.” We are destined to struggle, sometimes intensely, throughout our days. That’s why we need determination. No matter the complication of the circumstances, we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.
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Decide what matters to you, or what you and your family need to be healthy and well and spiritually strong. Then say, “No matter what, I will …” or “I am determined to …” You’ll be amazed at your ability (and your child’s) to push through the hard stuff and reach the prize. Don’t give up! Be determined today!