The Reality of Our Shortcomings
One of the deepest desires of my heart is that my children would walk with Jesus. What an incredible responsibility God has given us as parents in raising little humans.
There were times in my early 20’s when I thought I was a pretty decent person. I was a good friend, a kind daughter, and an active member in my church. Now, with five children, in the midst of motherhood, I am aware of my own depravity like never before. I am right there with Paul who wrote, “This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them!” (1 Timothy 1:15). Unfortunately, my kids and my husband have a front row seat to the sin in my life. What a paradox, that these little people that live in my home see me at my best and my worst. If it were up to my best efforts of showing them the beauty of Jesus, I would desperately fail. Praise God it is not up to me! I am so thankful for the grace of Jesus in my life as well as the power of repentance and forgiveness. As many times as I fail as a mother, I can ask Jesus, and my kids, to forgive me. And He does!
Faithfulness in Parenting
I have seen people in Christian leadership whose children walked away from God. I have also seen some whose children are chasing hard after God. Our kids, like us, have been given free will. One of the best pieces of advice we received as young parents, when our son was only 6 months old, was that faithfulness in parenting was not proven by adult children who followed God. Faithfulness in parenting was being obedient to do everything in our power to teach them and train them in the way they should go.
As we are gifted with this precious time with our children, we can do our best to show them the grace of God. Asking for my kids’ forgiveness is one of the most humbling things I have had to do. Seeking forgiveness wasn’t modeled to me as a child. I don’t think any of us come by it naturally. My hope is that our children will realize that God’s approval is not gained by a sin-free life but one of humble repentance and the acceptance of the grace that can only be found in Christ Jesus.
God at Work in Our Kids
It is our joy and privilege to help our children see God in their lives. It’s even more of a blessing to see them respond to the goodness of God in their little lives. I remember walking in the mountains when our oldest was about 4 years old, and he said, “Listen mom. The birds are singing to Jesus!” On another occasion, he started singing spontaneous praise songs to God. Another time, when he crushed his front tooth on the sidewalk and was worried and anxious about what his face would look like, a verse set to music was playing in the car. The lyrics were, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He turned to me and said, “That verse has helped me several times in life.” Moments later, our dentist called to tell us she could see him in 30 minutes! Praise God for the way He reveals himself to our children and for the joy of being the ones to help point them towards His power and greatness.
If you’re like me and often feel like a failure, the worst of all sinners, and unsure of the effect that will have on your children, let me encourage you. God is greater than your weaknesses. He delights to put His power on display in the midst of them.
