~Biblical VS. Unbiblical Goals For Parents~

Let me start by saying that this post has been on my heart for weeks now....even long before Christmas...but, I was having a bit of trouble articulating what I wanted to say...and what it may mean to all of you. I've always been one of great self-awareness...meaning, I always...or, at least I always try to consider other's feelings regarding what I say & do...whether it be verbal or nonverbal. So...anything I say here..and, in any post, for that matter, shouldn't be taken personally. I am speaking from my own convictions...and, I certainly am not one to place judgment on another. So...with that said, I wanted to share with you some of the goals of parenting that I've been reading about in Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp). First of all, this book is one of the best I've EVER read....EVER. In a nutshell, the book is about foundations for biblical childrearing.

One chapter, in particular, focuses on examining goals for your children. **Until this point, I had not thoroughly considered my goals for Noah & Sailer in terms of biblical OR UN-biblical...at least....I mean, sure, I have goals for Noah and Sailer, but are they biblical or unbiblical? What I quickly learned is that many of us, Christian parents included, have scores of goals for our kids and even more ways to help them achieve those goals...the only problem here is that our goals are not necessarily aligned with biblical principles. Rather, they are based on society's views of success as well as our OWN view of success....but, what about God's view of success? Where does the Almighty One come into play? After all, our children are made for God and by God...why would we not intently follow his lead in rearing our children? He has a specific purpose for them, and it's FAR better than what we could build for them....I know that for sure. It just doesn't make sense....and, it's incredibly convicting...at least, it was for me. The root of all of this for me was how to gain a clearer understanding of what success is....not mine, not society's version, but God's....

It's not developing special skills that determines success in God's eyes...and, it's not teaching your child to be a social butterfly or life of the party...it's not pushing them to say the sinner's prayer...it's not family worship....it's not raising well-behaved children....it's not a good education...and, it's not control. Some of these things are sought after...sure....but, reaching true success in the Lord's eyes is keeping the chief end of man in sight....and, that is to glorify God & to enjoy Him forever. This is the only worthy goal that we should have as parents, b/c once this is understood, our children will learn to function in this corrupt society based on God's terms....not ours and not theirs. They will seek the Lord's wisdom in their lives, and they will adopt biblical principles through having a Godward orientation.

That is MY hope...my prayer, my plea to God...that my children would develop this.....and, it all starts with ME. It's my job to provide biblical counsel to my children. It's my job to stay consistent with that biblical objective...."Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire but you..." (Psalms 73:25).

I challenge you to consider your goals for your children....are they biblical or UN-biblical? Are you trying to please others? yourselves? family? friends? society? in how you raise your children? Or, are you keeping the chief end of man in sight???

Let's all pray for our children.....that they may know Jesus...that they may understand that they were made by God and for God.....

Take care~ Summer <3