Parenting by Design

As parents, it's easy to neglect our own spiritual growth in the midst of busy schedules and family demands, but doing so can lead to burnout and negatively impact our relationships with our children. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can cultivate a stronger foundation for serving others and being the best parents we can be.

The Bible teaches that sorrow can lead to repentance, a transformative response to sin that brings salvation and leaves no regret. By understanding the difference between godly and worldly sorrow, parents can use their child's pain as an opportunity to guide them towards a deeper relationship with God.

As Christians navigate the complexities of self-expression and outward appearance, this passage from 1 Timothy 2:9-10 offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters to God. By contrasting external glamour with inner beauty, Paul reminds us that true success and recognition come not from our outer shell, but from the character and spirit within.

Children are commanded to obey their parents in all things, not because of a hierarchical structure, but because obedience maintains the divinely ordained order in the home. By submitting to parental authority, children demonstrate their trust in God's plan for family and relationships, and joyfully obey those who are worthy of it.

The apostle Paul, considered one of the most accomplished "church workers" in history, humbly acknowledged his own sinfulness and recognized that true salvation comes from God's mercy and grace alone. Through his unwavering faith in Christ, Paul demonstrated that even the most flawed individuals can receive the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering a powerful reminder of God's sufficiency in our lives.

The Bible provides a powerful model for parenting, with Paul serving as both mom and dad to the believers in Thessalonica, demonstrating essential qualities like patience, gentleness, encouragement, and comfort. By embracing these roles and trusting God's strength, parents can equip their children to live lives worthy of His kingdom and glory.

God's love and correction often manifest through suffering, which can be a sign of His vast and personal interest in our lives. By embracing our weaknesses and limitations, we can discover the power of God's grace and strength, as exemplified by the apostle Paul's remarkable story of perseverance and faith.

As a parent, you've probably yelled at your kids, lectured them harshly, or even punished them for their mistakes. But what if God is willing to forgive it all and work alongside you to raise your children with humility?

As parents, we desire our children to grow in knowledge, insight, and moral purity, but how can we help them achieve this? By providing opportunities for hands-on learning and decision-making, we can empower our kids to develop the discernment they need to make choices that reflect God's righteousness.

As believers face trials, they are forced to confront their own faithfulness and trust in God, a process that can be painful but ultimately reveals the depths of their sin and challenges them to mature spiritually. Through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, Christians can discover new levels of humility and Christ-likeness, becoming more like their Savior in the midst of difficult times.

The apostle Paul explains that faith is the key to receiving God's power to fulfill His purpose for our lives, allowing us to persevere in trials and live an obedient life. By glorifying Jesus and yielding to His will, we tap into a power that far exceeds our human abilities, enabling us to work for long stretches without exhaustion.

As a parent, you are entrusted with the care of God's children, and it is essential to understand that your role is not to please others, but to please Him first. By embracing this mindset, you can break free from the pressure of conforming to worldly expectations and instead focus on raising your kids for His glory.

The Bible warns that pride can lead to a powerful delusion, causing individuals to reject God's truth and instead believe a lie that promises power and self-sufficiency. By examining the root of this deception, rooted in the first spoken word to Eve, we can understand how pride trades God's glory for Satan's deception and learn to boast only in the Lord's strength.

A large crowd of Jews came to see Jesus, not just for his teachings, but also to witness the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead, highlighting the importance of living out one's faith. By demonstrating our faith through practical actions, we can be more effective witnesses and inspire others to follow in our footsteps.

A biblical tale of impulsive desire and long-term consequence, Genesis 25:34 tells the story of Esau's hasty surrender of his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a single meal, illustrating the dangers of prioritizing short-term gratification over future rewards. This cautionary parable serves as a timeless reminder that instant satisfaction can lead to eternal regret.