Here are 5 more ways to honor God as a parent. As I was writing the first post I kept thinking of additional ways to honor God.
Encourage – We all need encouragement. The encouragement of my parents played an incredibly important role in shaping my life and my love for God. As I look back over my life I remember many times my parents encouraged me in many ways. Often these were simple comments and at first glance may not seem important, but when you factor in consistency over a long period of time they made a huge difference in my life. My father died about two years ago and even at 47 years old I find myself missing the encouragement I received from my father. Just speaking with him was encouraging—he knew me like know one else did—I don't mean that he knew me better than anyone else, though that is probably true in some ways. I mean he knew me as a father knows a son. No one else knows me like that except God our Father. Encouragement comes through words and actions. Encouragement can simply be found in someone's presence even though they never speak a word—their presence speaks volumes. Encouragement comes through attention. Children want your attention. Anyone who has children knows they will get your attention one way or another. If you fail to encourage your children then you leave a void that will be filled with something you may not want for your children like discouragement.
When you encourage your children in life God is honored.
Set Boundaries – Boundaries include rules, limits, guidelines, values, and standards. We need boundaries to help us learn what is acceptable or not acceptable. We need to know what is right and wrong or what is acceptable or not acceptable because it helps us make good choices. As parents, we have the responsibility to set good, consistent boundaries for our children. Not only is this important for helping them stay out of trouble today, it is the beginning of helping them live a life of integrity. The Bible is filled with examples of times when God set boundaries for different people in many situations. God knows the importance of boundaries. God uses boundaries to help shape us into who He wants us to be. We must do our best to help our children along the same path to becoming who God wants them to be.
When you teach your children good, consistent boundaries God is honored.
Teach – As parents we have the opportunity to help our children learn what they need to know. Having worked with children and families in the secular world as a therapist and in the church I have seen too many parents allow others to teach their children things they should be teaching them. I am not saying you should pull your children out of school and begin to home-school, though I support home-schooling if you are able to do that. I am talking about expecting the Sunday School Teachers to do "ALL" the teaching about Jesus and the Bible. It is not the church's responsibility to be the only teacher for your child. The Bible says numerous times to "teach your children." I hope you noticed that I didn't say at the beginning of this section that you had the responsibility to teach your children. It is true, you do have that responsibility, but, I think it is more of an opportunity. Teach your children the truths God has taught you about life and Jesus.
When you teach your children about Jesus and how to live a Christian life you truly honor God.
Discipline – Discipline is a necessary part of life but most people don't want to talk about it. Discipline and boundaries often go hand in hand and I almost wrote about them together. But, after thinking about it further I felt they deserved separate attention. Discipline is about reinforcing the boundaries you have already set. Here are a couple of verses regarding discipline:
Job 5:17 "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."
Hebrews 12:5-6 "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.'"
Sometimes, discipline doesn't feel like an expression of love but the Bible assures us that it is true. Discipline helps us stay on the path to God's purpose.
When you discipline your children in love and concern for their well-being then God is honored.
Be Present – We all need people to be there with us and for us. As children this need is even greater. I mentioned it before, children want your attention but they need you to be present. They need you present not just physically but emotionally—not just in the same room but giving them your attention. I have worked with many children over the last 20 years and I have seen great disappointment when one parent of the other did not show up for some event. This disappointment becomes discouragement and hurts more than just a few hours it can be a life-long hurt. Your children need you to be present to witness and be a part of their lives.
When you are present for your children then God is honored.
Well, that is my list of 5 More Ways to Honor God as a Parent. Click here to see my list of 5 Ways to Honor God as a Parent.
I would love to see your thoughts about this post—please leave a comment.
God bless you real good!
Tim
