Is There Any Hope?
Our hope for a better future depends on what is done with the next generation. Parenting and discipleship are seemingly unrelated items, but they are essentially the same.
Train up a child in the way he should go… Proverbs 22:6
We gravitate toward parenting when we read this. However, Paul will state that he is a spiritual parent to Timothy and takes it upon himself to train him in the way he should go also. In honor of teaching the ABC’s to my children, here they are as helpful reminders of how to train up a physical child or spiritual one.
Accept them as they are.
Believe God has a purpose
Calibrate to meet their needs
Develop them patiently
Engage them with the Gospel
Failure allows learning
Grace as they develop
Hope for a better future
Initiate conversations
Journal their progress
Keep them on track
Love sacrificially
Meaningful touch
Note milestones in their life
Ongoing evaluation
Pray Pray Pray
Quick to listen
Remind them of the higher purpose
Set boundaries
Teach them scripture
Unleash them into service
Vocalize feelings and needs
Words of affirmation
eXpect and eXamine
Yield to the Spirit’s plan, nor yours
Zero in on God’s specific purpose
Can you think of others?
