In a recent sermon series, we spent a few weeks focused on Christian parenting. I wanted to share a brief summary of what we discussed. However, you’ll find these are good to remember for things in general, not only if you have children.
First, your kids can never disappoint you if you truly love them.
The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 tells of a son who wishes his father was dead when he asks for inheritance early. He goes off and wastes it all. Left with nothing, he returns home only hoping to work for his father. He never expected to be welcomed back with open arms.
His father didn’t stand there and say, “Son, you disappointed me. You made your choice, just stay away. Do you know how embarrassing it was when people asked how you were doing?”
Instead, the father forgives him, choosing to love him over everything else. He is able to do this because his identity did not rest on what the son did or did not do. As Christians, our identity must come only from Christ. It doesn’t come from our kids. Our only job is to love them.
Second, as parents we need to submit to God’s authority.
As for children, obey your parents in the Lord, because it is right. 2 The commandment Honor your father and mother is the first one with a promise attached: 3 so that things will go well for you, and you will live for a long time in the land. 4 As for parents, don’t provoke your children to anger, but raise them with discipline and instruction about the Lord. (Ephesians 6, CEB)
We are called to teach and correct, helping kids to know they can’t always do what they want to do. Parents are under God’s authority, and parents are to model that behavior to their kids.
Third, repeat repeat repeat.
Always be willing to share your faith journey. Tell stories when you had to rely fully on God. Help them to see God is alive. Build times of repetition through a day. Maybe this means morning prayers or evening prayers.
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your being, and all your strength. 6 These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. 7 Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them on your hand as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. 9 Write them on your house’s doorframes and on your city’s gates. (Deuteronomy 6, CEB)
After crossing the Jordan River, Joshua places stones in a way where kids will come along asking questions about them later.
4 Joshua called for the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one man per tribe. 5 Joshua said to them, “Cross over into the middle of the Jordan, up to the Lord your God’s chest. Each of you, lift up a stone on his shoulder to match the number of the tribes of the Israelites. 6 This will be a symbol among you. In the future your children may ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 Then you will tell them that the water of the Jordan was cut off before the Lord’s covenant chest. When it crossed over the Jordan, the water of the Jordan was cut off. These stones will be an enduring memorial for the Israelites.” (Joshua 4, CEB)
Love your kids. Don’t use them to build yourself up or tear yourself down. Live a life submitting to God’s authority. From your example, teach and instruct your kids. Repeat all of this, telling them the stories of God.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt
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