Help! My Child Didn't Come with Instuctions

Have you ever bought one of those put together "somethings" that came with instructions written in any language but English?  You are provided with a picture of what the object is supposed to look like and an unclear path of how to get there.  For those who are somewhat mechanically inclined, that task may prove challenging, but not impossible.  Those persons not so gifted are lost as to how to proceed.

Parenting is alot like that.  You have this vision of where you see your child as an adult, but  since they didn't come with an  instruction book, it's hard to know how to get them there.  Frustrations mount with each additional child when we realize that what worked with the first child doesn't with the second.  A library full of childrearing books may help, but the author isn't raising your child.  Suggestions from other parents may prove helpful, but what works in one family doesn't always in another.  The challenge gets even harder as we realize the child has a mind of its own on how it should be developed.  At least the put-together desk didn't talk back.

Effective parenting is the hardest job on the planet.  Effective Christian parenting is even harder.  With society increasingly working against Christian morals and values, parents have no help from the media, schools or the government.  Church life, home life, and school life used to be positive reinforcements for each other in developing productive, morally-sound children.  With the breakdown of traditional family structures and schools running scared with separation of church and state issues, the church is standing alone for Godly values and morality.

How can we be Godly parents who stand with conviction while swimming in a world of compromise? Come see us Sunday.  We will talk about that.

Blessings,

Pastor Jeff

NOTE:  We would love to hear back from you!  Your comments and feedback are welcome.  You may post a comment at the end of each post.