Sheneka Land
Ministry With Families
Dr. Jackie Johns
The Essential Functions of Godly Parents
Christian parenting can prove to be a perplexing endeavor. Godly parenting involves much more than following an “expert” formula. Though professional enlightenment is good and sometimes necessary, the goal of godly parents is to seek wisdom from Scripture and from the community of faith.
Familial covenant relationships, patterned after God’s relationship design as found in both the Old and New Testaments, will guide parents to live out daily precepts that encourage and empower children. In order to accomplish this, parents must take into consideration the individual and distinct needs of each child in compliance with biblical instruction.
The Biblical model of parenting is that model portrayed in the character of God as the parent to His children. In that portrayal, we find a Father who cares deeply for His children and is compassionate toward their needs. Furthermore, the Heavenly Father shows respect and listens in understanding to the heart cries of His sons and daughters, and He provides comfort.
As children of God, we too can parent in godly fashion because we become empowered by His unconditional love, which equips us to act in the power of the Holy Spirit to empower our children. Foremost, Christian parents must in faith, receive the gift of God’s affirmation into their own lives before passing the same to their own children so that they grow into the persons they are meant to be within God’s creative plan.
Mark 12:30-31 is a signpost to parents to teach children to enrich the lives of others by loving and serving. Parents can gain common ground with their children in this parenting process by explaining that the journey is an on-going one for both parents and children as they travel a path leading to spiritual and emotional maturity that embraces grace and forgiveness. To love and empower effectively, all involved must be real and genuine, and it is the responsibility of parents to model those traits. Mentorship, found in the community of faith, can prove beneficial in this process for both parents and children.
Jesus is our perfect example of how to disciple our children. He discipled by both word and deed. Too often, parents disciple in word only; thus, invalidating effective Christian parenting. The deeds of the parents must match their words.
Parents can help children realize the internal tension that the sin nature inflicts upon them by sharing their own struggles with the same; but more important is the sharing of victories gained over the sin nature through a personal relationship with Christ. A delicate balance of listening and sharing is essential in godly parenting.
Though often painful, in the process of godly Christian parenting is the need to allow children to suffer the consequences of disobedience. However, this is the Biblical model we find throughout Scripture as a means that Father God used to teach and draw His children into authentic relationship with Himself and others. Large doses of wisdom, patience, love, and even humor can bring about godly transformation and empowerment to both parents and children on the Christian parenting journey.
Ministry With Families
Dr. Jackie Johns
The Essential Functions of Godly Parents
Christian parenting can prove to be a perplexing endeavor. Godly parenting involves much more than following an “expert” formula. Though professional enlightenment is good and sometimes necessary, the goal of godly parents is to seek wisdom from Scripture and from the community of faith.
Familial covenant relationships, patterned after God’s relationship design as found in both the Old and New Testaments, will guide parents to live out daily precepts that encourage and empower children. In order to accomplish this, parents must take into consideration the individual and distinct needs of each child in compliance with biblical instruction.
The Biblical model of parenting is that model portrayed in the character of God as the parent to His children. In that portrayal, we find a Father who cares deeply for His children and is compassionate toward their needs. Furthermore, the Heavenly Father shows respect and listens in understanding to the heart cries of His sons and daughters, and He provides comfort.
As children of God, we too can parent in godly fashion because we become empowered by His unconditional love, which equips us to act in the power of the Holy Spirit to empower our children. Foremost, Christian parents must in faith, receive the gift of God’s affirmation into their own lives before passing the same to their own children so that they grow into the persons they are meant to be within God’s creative plan.
Mark 12:30-31 is a signpost to parents to teach children to enrich the lives of others by loving and serving. Parents can gain common ground with their children in this parenting process by explaining that the journey is an on-going one for both parents and children as they travel a path leading to spiritual and emotional maturity that embraces grace and forgiveness. To love and empower effectively, all involved must be real and genuine, and it is the responsibility of parents to model those traits. Mentorship, found in the community of faith, can prove beneficial in this process for both parents and children.
Jesus is our perfect example of how to disciple our children. He discipled by both word and deed. Too often, parents disciple in word only; thus, invalidating effective Christian parenting. The deeds of the parents must match their words.
Parents can help children realize the internal tension that the sin nature inflicts upon them by sharing their own struggles with the same; but more important is the sharing of victories gained over the sin nature through a personal relationship with Christ. A delicate balance of listening and sharing is essential in godly parenting.
Though often painful, in the process of godly Christian parenting is the need to allow children to suffer the consequences of disobedience. However, this is the Biblical model we find throughout Scripture as a means that Father God used to teach and draw His children into authentic relationship with Himself and others. Large doses of wisdom, patience, love, and even humor can bring about godly transformation and empowerment to both parents and children on the Christian parenting journey.