Jump Start # 3937
Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
I’m teaching a class on parenting. There are so many issues facing today’s parents. Our kids want to just blend in and not stand out, but the call to follow Christ leads them to being different. Different in the way you talk. Different in the way you treat others. Different in the way you dress. When everyone else is bowing down to the idols of our culture, God’s people stand. And, when you stand, others notice. Sometimes you don’t want to be noticed, but that’s the nature of being a light of the world.
Parenting isn’t for cowards. Parents have to draw lines and often be the mean guy, but they have a goal in mind. Parents are looking beyond the moment and the happiness of their child. They are pointing their child towards Heaven.
Here are five important lessons we want our children and grandchildren to learn:
First, Sunday is the best day of the week. Around here we say that every single Sunday. Our schedules are just different on Sundays. Sunday is the day Jesus arose from the grave. That is the day that the first disciples gathered. That is the day we reflect and remember. In Revelation it’s called “The Lord’s Day.” The world would be a better place if everyday were a Sunday.
So, talk up Sunday. Instead of “we have to go to church,” try, “we GET TO.” Get thinking this way on Saturday night. Get things ready. Get to bed at a decent time. Have clothes and Bibles all ready to go. Stick around after services. This is where friendships and relationships are built. Don’t be in a hurry to get out of there. Your children need to make friends. Your children need to speak kindly to the older ones. Have visiting preachers sign your child’s Bible.
Second, Jesus is our friend. He is always there. He is there to help you. Look to Him for what to do. He is your friend, yet, He is in charge. It is His will that we follow. He knows you. He knows what’s best for you. He has been with you this whole time. Don’t fight Jesus. Learn from Him. Trust Him.
Third, God wants you to follow Him all the way to Heaven. God wants you to follow Him when at school. God wants you to follow Him when at work. On the field of sports, God has a way He wants you to conduct yourself. You’ll sin and make mistakes but they do not have to define you. Don’t give up on yourself because God hasn’t. God will always allow you to come home.
Fourth, Get to know God’s word and learn to love it. The Bible doesn’t change with the times. God’s way still works today. No one is too good for God and no one can do a better job than God. Be content with the way God made things. Everything God does is done on purpose, including you. Every choice you make will either bring you closer to God and Heaven or it will pull you away. God’s word is special. Take care of your Bible. Know it. Read it. Believe it.
Fifth, Open your heart up to God’s people. They are not perfect, but neither are you. They love the Lord and they want you to succeed in life. They are the best people on the face of the earth. God’s people will help you. They will pray for you. They will be there for you. Like anything else in life, there will be some who are not serious. There may be some who need to work on their faith. But, don’t give up because of these few. Nothing is like God’s people. Include them. Get to know them. Be open to them. Let them help you and in turn you help them.
These are eternal lessons that dads need to be instilling and teaching. These are lessons that moms and dads need to be showing through their own lives.
Roger