PARENTING PRIORITIES

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Are you a good parent?

What are your main parenting priorities?

This answer may look a little different for each family.

Good parents make sure their kids’ basic needs are met. We try to keep them healthy and out of trouble. We send them to school. I think it’s a safe assumption many parents (including me) hope our kids get an education, find a good job, marry the perfect mate, provide us with a few grand kids, and live a long healthy, happy life.

It sounds like the perfect plan, doesn’t it? But what if your child grows up living this “perfect” life, but doesn’t know God? At the end of their life, God says “I never knew you. Turn away from me.” Matthew 7:23

Your child could grow up to be wildly successful, make lots of money, or find the cure to cancer. We want them to use their God given talents, but they can’t be so busy that they leave God behind.

These might be great achievements, but in the end, no amount of money or success will get you into Heaven. Without a strong foundational relationship with God, the troubles of the world will rock their boat. They will eventually sink under the weight of their problems. They won’t know their worth. Worse yet – they won’t spend eternity in Heaven.

Eternity

Forever and ever

It’s hard to wrap our simple minds around that concept. But the reality is, we spend a good chunk of our time and energy making sure our earthly life goes the way we want it to, and don’t think about what comes next.

Our biggest priority as parents should be pointing our children to Jesus, and He will take care of the rest. We are not perfect, but we can do our best to model a healthy relationship with God, even during the tough times that are sure to come. How can we prepare?

• Pray for our children. A LOT
• Demonstrate a relationship with God and how to live life on earth with an eternal perspective

By doing these things, we will start our children off the way they should go, so even when they are old they will not turn from it, just like Proverbs 22:6 instructs. We can’t force them. We can only model, encourage, and pray. If every single parent made it their #1 priority to raise Godly children, I truly believe this world would be a different place.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for our children. We know they are a gift from you. Help us to find time in our busy lives to pray for our children and show them the way to heaven so they are welcomed into your eternal kingdom. Amen

GO DEEPER: It is never too late to start a relationship with God. If you do not have a family habit of prayer, start now! A simple prayer in the morning or evening is a great way to start a conversation with God. Pray with your kids and for your kids.