Parenting with a Higher Purpose

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [a]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

─ Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

Effective parenting starts with respect for God. In parenting we must be prepared to defer our wishes for our child to God’s desires for them. We also must be prepared to help our child view life through this prism, too. Helping your child discover and conform to God’s vision for him or her is the highest and most sacred calling of parenting.

Our verse today from Ephesians declares, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (2:10 NIV). If you are a parent, God wants you to be the best parent you can be. But parenting isn’t always easy, and helping your child reach his or her full potential won’t always be a breeze either. Most of us need help as parents. Fortunately, our greatest resource remains readily available.

If we want to fulfill the vision that God has for us as parents or for our children, we must get to know Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:52, we get a glimpse of what a life lived according to God’s vision looks like through the person of Jesus. Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (NKJV).

The Scriptures don’t give us many details about Jesus’ lifestyle as a youngster, but we know good reputations are not bestowed by chance or coincidence, but earned. Proverbs 20:11 tells us, even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. Most of us think of stature as meaning physical height. But stature also refers to esteem. From boyhood on Jesus undoubtedly practiced a righteousness that was plain for all to see and commanded respect.

The Bible is a vivid testimony of the life of Jesus. God wants all His children – both young and old – to steadily grow in the knowledge of Jesus until we begin to resemble Him in our thoughts, words and actions. To become the intentional parents God desires us to be, like Jesus, we must pursue lifelong habits of Bible study and prayer.

Today’s One Thing

This week, spend time in prayer asking God specifically to show you how to be the parent your child needs. Allow God to direct you in shaping your child according to His purpose and plan for your child’s life.

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