More than Eggs, Bunnies, & Chocolate

I watch my kids’ eyes dart as I try to push the cart through the store at lightning speed. They have noticed the aisle for the Easter holiday decorations, and instantly their minds are captivated and their imaginations are stirred.

Bunnies. Chocolate. Eggs. Candy. Baskets. Easter outfits. All the pastel colors.

The boys’ eyes are distracted by all the beautiful “Easter” displays fighting for their attention. For a brief moment they forgot about the fight they were having in the cart, the goldfish they were trying to open, and the naps that hadn’t happened.

“Mommy, can I have some candy? Mommy, look at that big egg! Mommy, did you see that big chocolate bunny?”

It’s not just my boys.

We are a distracted people. Our attention captured by the sights, sounds, and smells of what we are told to desire. We are teaching our hearts what to love. This concept is not a mystery to God.

“And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12: 29-32, 34).

Jesus taught his followers to be intentional about the things they give their attention. He tells us to use discernment about the things we seek. He knows our minds could easily fall prey to seeking the things of this world. I do not believe that Jesus meant that all material possessions have harmful intent. Nor do I think bunnies, chocolate, and eggs are inherently evil. However, they do become harmful when they distract our hearts away from the things of God. When we care about the things of this world too much, we are teaching our heart what to care about and treasure. And if we treasure the things of the world, we will love the things of the world.

So how can your family’s Easter be more than eggs, bunnies, and chocolate this year?

1. Turn away from distraction.

It is good to see distractedness as a symptom of the heart; a way of searching for something that only Jesus can give you in something other than Jesus. It can be good things that keep you from God-things. What are the things that distract you away from the things that matter most? Easter season is the perfect time to turn away from the things that are distracting you and your family and from your Savior.

2. Focus your attention on the things that do matter.

This season is the perfect moment to spend time thinking and talking about why we need Jesus and what Jesus accomplished for us in his death and resurrection. We get to choose where we spend our limited time, energy, and thoughts. If you were to evaluate where your family’s time, energy, and thoughts were spent, what would that say about what your family values? What are some ways that you can intentionally turn the attention of your family towards Jesus this Easter season?

3. Know that your heart’s affection follows your habits.

As you choose to limit your distractions and turn your attention to Jesus, your affection for Jesus will grow. As you spend time talking about Jesus, your thankfulness for what he for you will be on your mind. Think about what it must have been like for Jesus to focus on the road to Jerusalem knowing the death that awaited him. The crowds did not distract him. The people plotting his death did not distract him. Jesus was focused on the plan to save the whole world from sin, and he faced it all because of his great love for us. What response can we have other and worship and love for a God who would rescue us? The Gospel is so powerful it captures our hearts and changes us forever. Suddenly eggs, bunnies, and chocolates are not the main thing. Jesus can overshadow everything that this world has to offer us!

Here at Kids Faith Krate want to see busy and distracted families focus on Jesus and grow in closeness and love for each other and Jesus. We want to help your family by providing you with lessons, crafts, and conversation starters. We want this Easter to be special for your family. We are praying that God would grow your understanding and love for Jesus as you seek him together.