Incorporating Christ Into Your Parenting
How do we welcome God's presence into our homes?
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Today nearly everything and everyone we encounter has a label. That label is usually a generalized description used to define what and who we are, and because we are uniquely created, these labels typically inadequately define us. However, we still own them and often seek to justify our behavior based on what that label represents. Tiger moms, Elephant moms, and Helicopter parenting have become titles we fully embrace or fully despise. We look for fulfillment in zodiac signs or birth month descriptions or Type A-Alpha roles, but do we take the time to examine not who we are, but Who Christ is and how He lives through us? Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." If we continue to seek the world's standards in parenting, then we will consistently be challenged with discerning between what God says and the need to feel validated by others around us.
So What Does God Say About Parenting?
In our home, the age old adage, "Kids Don't Come With A Manual," does not ring true. God's presence in my parenting was quickly discovered and started with dreams or better yet visions, before I even knew I was expecting. Everyday has not been perfect, but because we will forever be rookies at this, we choose to seek God's guidance daily. The Bible and the consistent teachings acquired from home, school, and church, have served as a map to help lead our children in the direction that God has for them. While the Bible may not specifically call out our names and describe our individual situations, one of the most well known scriptures, Proverbs 22:6, is indication that God desires for us to include Him in our parenting.
So How Is God Incorporated In Your Home?
So how do you include God in your parenting? Is it through daily prayers with your children? Is it through at home Bible studies? Or Praise and Worship while riding in the car? How intentional are we about leading our children to Christ and fulfilling not the world's labels, but instead, what Proverbs 22:6 advises us to do, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
In the book of John, chapter 15, verse 4, Christ tells us, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me."
So let us be encouraged, seek the Lord, stay close to His Word, allow Him to guide our parenting decisions and commit to sharing time focused on God, with our family. Speaking from experience, love of Christ is the best gift we can share with our children.
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