A few posts back, I mentioned that expectations in parenthood sometimes are not met the way we had hoped.
(Anyone care to share some examples? I’m sure you have plenty!)
Though they are more precious than you thought possible, and though they allow you to love in ways you didn’t know you had within you, it does not take long to realize that your children are not perfect angels. But then again, once you do some self-examination, you also quickly realize that you aren’t a perfect parent. Parents need help and guidance and direction to help be the best disciplemakers possible for the precious ones in their care. Let me share something I read not too long ago that might be helpful as you continue down this road of disciple-making parenthood:
“Children must be impressed with the awesomeness of Christ, with His nature and character. They must see in their parents a sense of awe for the beauty and attractiveness of Christ. They must see what it means to treasure Christ more than anything else. Children are perceptive, and if they see parents and leaders talk with boredom and apathy about faith yet become overtly passionate about sports teams or shopping malls, they will think the sport or the mall is more attractive than Jesus.
The gospel is impressed on children by what they see in parents and leaders; thus, those who lovingly live a godly life in front of children are heroes. If children see husbands who love their wives and treat them with respect, they learn that Christ, the Bridegroom, pursues and loves His bride unconditionally. If they see leaders and parents hungrily devouring the Scripture, they learn that adults need Jesus for strength each day. If they see leaders forgive someone else, they will learn that their heavenly Father is eager to forgive.”
What lessons about Christ and the Christian life have you tried (or are trying) to show to your children using your own life as the example?
(Quotes from ‘Creature of the Word’ by Matt Chandler)