Our oldest child has recently started driving. Though my husband and I understood that this day would come, I keep asking myself, Have we prepared her well?
Our daughter learning to maneuver more than 2 tons of moving metal only mirrors a greater journey of trust we’ve embarked on as parents. When our children were little, we took more direct action to steer their spiritual growth. Now we’re playing a different role, one involving a greater level of watchfulness and intercession but less direct decision-making.
The parable of the prodigal son and the older brother (Luke 15:11) not only outlines the redemptive heart of God, but it also resonates with every parent or adult who has loved and invested in the life of a young person. The time comes when decisions must be made, and we quickly learn that we can choose only for ourselves (Luke 15:12-13). Not even the close proximity of our children can ensure that their hearts are pure, because our oversight doesn’t guarantee they’ll make the right choices. They can be in our home and still misunderstand their position as sons and daughters in Jesus’ kingdom (Luke 15:31).
Though we want them to love God first, pursue obedience, and carefully consider the “direction of [their lives]” (Psalm 119:57-60), raising up godly children—biological or spiritual—doesn’t mean we can ensure a life without failure. We must live in such a way that when they find themselves in pursuit of lesser loves, they “see [their] teacher with [their] own eyes. [Their] own ears will hear him. Right behind . . . a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go,’ whether to the right or to the left!” (Isaiah 30:20-21). May they follow God and live out His wisdom!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 8:1-5
More:
From the perspective of both a student and a teacher, read Proverbs 2:1-22 and consider how a person who loves Jesus can read the Bible’s truths as a road map for life.
Next:
What role did your parents play in your spiritual development? When it comes to parenting or mentoring the next generation, how can you depend more directly on God and His wisdom?
Gary Shultz on March 21, 2016 at 6:23 am
Regina, I’m not sure of your current work status; however, you were or are a teacher. You see first hand what comes from homes to enter life. Society no longer helps the cause of healthy development, it waits to take its bite out of them. My thanks and support to those parents who take the time and effort to assure their children are raised in respect of God. I have never seen a world as hungry to chew up our kids as it is today. It’s good God is still more than able to build up young people for Himself. When I was a kid it was not too hard to grow up as a decent kid. Much more purpose, much more attention needs to be invested in parent and child today. Thank you Regina, I wish we could hear you speak about some of the pain and victories you have seen.
Regina Franklin on April 5, 2016 at 10:01 am
Dear Gary, Thank you so much for your encouragement. You can be praying for me as I seek the Lord in a particular writing project that has been on my heart for a long time. To answer your question, yes, I am still a teacher. One of the greatest pitfalls I see today, whether in the school or church settings–or even here as I sit writing on vacation at a major location for “family fun”–is the temptation to create a life for children minus trials and heartache, even to the smallest moment of handing a child a phone to stave off any displeasure at having to wait in line for a ride.
More than ever, the world–and especially the church–need men and women who willingly step in to be spiritual moms and dads.
Tom Felten on March 21, 2016 at 9:32 am
Regina, thanks for this reminder to live out an example that points children (and anyone in our sphere of influence) to Jesus. As the saying goes, “More is caught that taught.” Praying that the Holy Spirit will fill me today and allow me to radiate the beauty of our God!
street on March 22, 2016 at 2:30 am
the pic and title remind me of the movie risky business. it is by far the raciest pic i have seen on your sight. thinking we should be looking forward not backwards. editorial review?
Regina Franklin on April 5, 2016 at 10:04 am
Dear Street–my apologies for my late reply. I haven’t seek Risky Business, so I am not sure of the allusion. Please know that no offense was intended on the part of the editorial staff who chose the picture. I think it was intended to reflect a mom coaching her teenage son as he was driving (to match the illustration in the devotional). Thanks so much for your feedback.
street on March 22, 2016 at 2:33 am
Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,