“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16 , ESV)
No parent has to sit their child down on the couch and say, “OK, honey, today I’m going to teach you how to lie”. No, they are good at it right out of the blocks. The nuanced skill of a two year old to lay one on you is, quite frankly, admirable. Our job is to make them bad liars. To catch them every time and hold them accountable. In order to build the character trait of honesty into their hearts, we need to make telling the truth, even with the negative consequences, more attractive than telling a lie.
Teaching our children to be honest is the compassionate response of a loving parent because we know it will save them from the high cost of making bad choices in their relationships, their jobs and their walk with the Lord. Heavenly Father, please fill me with your grace toward my child to encourage them to come boldly for forgiveness when they mess up.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
“What is my mission in life going to be?” This is one of three big questions that every parent has the privilege of helping their child answer. What is your child going to do with the God given gifts and resources God entrusts to them? You might have an inkling of what that mission in life might be even now or perhaps you have no idea what that child is going to grow up to do or be!
That’s OK because ultimately, that decision is one made in the heart of your child with the help of God. It’s our responsibility though to model to our child a life lived focused upwards toward God and outwards toward others. That way when they take on their mission in life, no matter what it is, they will be doing it for the benefit of others and for the glory of God. Lord, please help me live my daily life in such a way that I point my child toward a life that is lived for you and others.
This post was written by Darcy Kimmel.
