This week we are talking about a subject that I know you will want to take advantage of...the 5th Commandment - obeying your parents! One of the most common ways we see our kids struggle in this world, especially at the elementary age, is obedience to their parents. I believe this is a constant struggle because our kids have to make those decisions every day of whether or not to obey our commands.
Here are the details to this week:
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52
Life Application: I can obey my parents.
Memory Verse: Colossians 3:20
Prayer for the Nations: Dominican Republic
I want to challenge you this week to reflect on your parenting. Try to answer the question, "When my kids disobey, why do they disobey?" In answering this question, I want you to start with your parenting (Mt 7:3-5). How do you parent? How does that affect your kids positively and negatively?
Here is where I am at in my thinking...As I think about Carter, it is obvious that he knows he is not supposed to touch the fire place. Yet he continues to try to push the boundaries Katie and I have set. Often times he will crawl halfway to the fire place, stop, and turn around to see if we are watching. He does this several times a day. How do I respond to this almost continual disobedience? I can have a short temper at times, so I have to be very careful how I respond. I want to respond as God responds to me as His child. I want to respond with love (1 Cor 13:4-7), age-appropriate discipline (Heb 12:5-6), and communication (The whole Bible-tell your kids why just like God has told us why). Does this mean the child will automatically change their behavior? Not at all, but that is why God has made love patient, kind, etc. Also, this is why we must always discipline and communicate for the sake of the child becoming more Christ-like and understanding God's plan for their life.
This is a particularly tough challenge for me this week. One of our interns just commented that I was breathing really hard while I was thinking through this. Let me pray for us.
God, you are our Father. Help us as parents of the next generation to lead our families to new heights in their relationships with you. When times are hard, be our rock! When we want to give up, lift us up! When we reach a new height, may all glory be given to you! Father, may we turn our eyes to you and persevere for the sake of the future of this next generation.
Take note of this upcoming opportunity!
Radical Families: Surrendering to God’s Plan for Your Family
Led by Craig & Barbara Webb, Tyler & Casey McNutt, Ron & Lynell O’Reel, and Henry & Patti Webb
How can you address "bad attitudes" in your family?
What behaviors and attitudes characterize a "Christian" family?
How do you finally resolve the recurring problems characteristic to your family?
Join these four couples for a time of teaching and open discussion of marriage, parenting, caring for aging parents, busyness, dysfunctional families, and more.
Wednesday evenings in June from 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm Room 121/123 in the Fellowship Hall
Let me know how I can be there for your family.
Jared Norris
Children's Minister
The Glade Church
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