On the formation of children

If we seek the things that are perfect, the secondary things will follow.  The Lord says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  What sort of person do you think the children of such parents will be?  What kind of persons are all the others who associate with them? Will they not eventually be the recipients of countless blessings as well?  For generally the children acquire the character of their parents, are formed in the mold of their parents' temperament, love the same things their parents love, talk in the same fashion and work for the same ends.  If we order our lives in this way and diligently study the Scriptures, we will find lessons to guide us in everything we need.  St. John Chrysostom