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The Awesome Responsibility Of A Parent
(Mother’s Day )
Matt 18:1 “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!”
Mother’s Day! – Even though it’s a national holiday, it originated in Graftok, WV in 1908 at Andrews Methodist Church. Anna Jarvis was a member.. her letter writing campaign inspired the national proclamation signed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.
This is an Biblical principle to observe. The 4th Commandment says…
EXO 20: 12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
So no doubt it’s pleasing to the Lord for His church to set aside time to honor each parent!
And to all you fine Parents… Mother’s Especially – = > We indeed respect your position of influence in our lives!
GOD HAS BLESSED THIS AUPC ASSEMBLY! WE ARE SWAMPED WITH YOUNG FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN! I HAVE WATCHED US ALL SOMETIMES BE OVERWHELMED AT TIMES…But this morning .. Allow me to share some helpful advice.
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First let me say I recommend getting and reading anything DR. JAMES DOBSON has written concerning children and the family. His books are excellent! And I will reference some things from his material. |
PRINCIPLE: Parents are accountable to God to meet their responsibilities to their kids! We must be careful to expose false guilt in our life… (feeling guilty about things we did not do).
BUT WE MUST ALSO STAY BALANCED!
God is very concerned about the welfare of children. Remember the millstone! *** If we fail to LOVE & DISCIPLINE our kids, we can leave them with the greatest tragedy of life >>> A Weak and/or Damaged Faith!
Some Advice…
| 1. Recognize that each child has a different temperament by creation. Look at Cain and Abel – or – the Prodigal Son Same parents, but different responses Introvert vs Extrovert; Shy vs Loud, Smart vs Slow; etc. WHAT DO YOU DO When as parents you don’t like your child’s basic temperament? OH some may never admit it but sometimes our children ARE a disappointment i.e. (the athletic parent that has an uncoordinated kid ) – ( wanted Einstein & got a misfit ) EVER NOTICE how some kids are so likable, while others are so hard to like? Let’s face it… some kids are easier to love then others! BUT IF WE AS PARENTS SHOW FAVORITISM TO ONE OVER ANOTHER WE CAN DAMAGE THAT CHILD FOR LIFETIME! If we are not careful, we can harbor a hidden hatred for one of our own offspring. Oh that we can learn to love like God did… He loved us while we were unlovable!
—- Someone called this week and paid our church the greatest compliment…
There may be many things we don’t get right… but we must be like him! SEEK & SAVE! “The worth of your kids is not dependent on the characteristics that separate them” …JD PERHAPS IS WISE TO VENT THESE FEELINGS TO A SPOUSE OR CLOSE FRIEND… BUT ABOVE ALL…. DETERMINE TO LOVE THAT CHILD COME WHAT MAY! |
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| #2. Take authority Early!
It may be humorous to think about, but that is how you deal with devils also! Take charge of a strong willed child in the early years of his life. Not by harshness & screaming, but by relationship & confident steady leadership!
— If you are timid & insecure about your role as a leader, your child will fill in the gap! The tougher the temperament the more important it is to “shape his will”. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT ABUSE… (but a spanking is sometimes in order)
Abuse is NEVER proper or in order! As a matter of fact, it will be greatly judged of God!(remember the millstone) — But I am afraid that leaving a child to “whatever he wants” will be also! A child’s will must be brought into subjection early in life because after 5 its very hard! REASON: Hardening of the Larynx or “sound drop out” — JD POINT = There is a time in that child’s life when (linguistically) anything is possible!…a window of opportunity as it were… SO IT IS WITH A CHILD’S ATTITUDE TOWARD PARENTAL AUTHORITY! >> Raising a compliant child also has it’s hazards <<
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| #3. DEVELOP A SENSE OF HUMOR! ( you’ll need it! ) Being able to laugh is the drink that will help you swallow the pressure of parenthood!
My wife was teaching my 5 yr old daughter how to fold laundry, and was telling her about how she would someday be grown up and be the mom. She told her all the things she would do like the dishes, laundry, diapers etc. Emily said “Mom, I think it would be better if I just stayed a kid” – TRUER WORDS NEVER SPOKEN! (out of the mouth of babes and sucklings) BUT…. THE TRUTH IS, WE CAN’T STAY KIDS… WE MUST GROW UP… And when we grow up we need to have a relationship with God that will sustain us! Which brings us to probably the most awesome responsibility of parenthood: |
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| #4. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FAITH!
MOM & DAD = You need to provide your kids an unshakable faith in Jesus! THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF PARENTHOOD!
If saving our kids is important, then is should begin as soon as they comprehend! Remember Peter’s advice to the pastors… “being an example to the flock” We are instructed to bring up our kids in the “nurture & admonition of the Lord”
EACH GENERATION HAS AN OBLIGATION TO THE NEXT TO SHARE TRUTH!
THIS VERSE IS CRITICAL TO ALL PARENTS ON THIS MOTHER’S DAY (and any day)! >>> One last bit of advice <<<
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