Last weekend, Deepak Reju was here to lead us in a four-session parenting conference. He went through the gospel and parenting, getting to the heart of our kids' behavior, communication, and discipline. I appreciated a couple things, especially. First, the reminder that there is no manual for parenting except the Bible. We have been given tons of principles about godliness and some select commands about parenting and are called to put them all together, on a daily basis, as we raise our kids. Second, since this is true, it is hugely important to know your children. How do they struggle? Why do they struggle this way? What are their likes/dislikes? Deepak repeated again and again how vital it is to study your kids so you can best minister to them.
Parenting is not easy. There is nothing more humbling than seeing your weaknesses repeated in the next generation. But there is hope as well, because God has not abandoned us to parent in isolation. He's given us a church for encouragement and instruction. Pray that as the years go by, we as a church do a better job of standing alongside parents, reminding them of the awesome and wonderful responsibility we have been given, and encouraging each other in the task at hand.
Comments