When I first felt God calling me to start writing I was so sure that it would turn me into a famous author, traveling around the world to book signings and speaking at lectures. But then I realized that God wasn't calling me to fame or recognition. He was calling me to help other families who are drowning in chaos that is completely unnecessary. I realized then that this is so much more in my nature and comfort zone. So, now I begin typing without the pressure of editors critiquing me and with simply God and His Word as my guide. And I pray that every couple or single parent that reads these words listens first to God's leading and then takes what help they gather from this blog and begins a journey toward God's plan for their family.
God designed families with an order. He first made the husband: the head of the family, next the wife: his help-meet, and then the children: the parents' responsibilities, treasures, and blessings. That was His plan. But now it seems the world has another plan. They put children first: the head of the home, next the mom: the child's help meet, and finally the father: the provider of every desire of their child. This, however, does not make for a peaceful home or help the children to grow into responsible adults.
Why does the world's plan not work? Think about it. Does a child have the wisdom or knowledge to consider how eating ice cream all day will affect him immediately as well as years down the road? No. Does a child understand that staying up at night until she can't keep her eyes open any longer will impact her mood, health, and brain function the next day? No. And what about giving your child the right to spend your money on their every wish and desire? Does that teach them the value of money? the lesson of learning to be content? the virtue of thinking of others before themselves? No. It only teaches them that their desires will always be met and there is no one more important than themselves, producing selfish and undisciplined adults.
So, what do we do with this world philosophy? We set it aside and we look to the Bible to find God's philosophy. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Prov. 22:6 NIV) Right there we see that it should not be our goal to have happy children all day long...at any cost. We have a responsibility to set them on the right road to living a meaningful life. Think for a minute of what you envision God wanting to do with their lives. There is no way for us to know His plans for them, but we do know that there are very basic qualities He desires for every human being to possess. It's as simple as the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Please sit for a few minutes and carefully read over these qualities. Does your child demonstrate them? Of course children will still be children, but it is never to early to begin instilling these traits. Your reward will be so worth the efforts you put into raising your children to fear and serve the Lord.
So now you have a decision to make. What are you going to do with these verses? What are you going to do with your children's futures? You have an amazing calling as parents, but you have to follow God and His leading each day.
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