Today was our final installment in our "AT THE MOVIES" message series using the film, 'Marley & Me.' It was our first stab at a series like this and I have to say, it's been not only a lot of fun, but also meaningful and transformational. The subject matter today was PARENTING.
What you sow as a parent over those God has given you responsibility for, reaps far greater consequences than you can ever imagine. That’s true for both good and bad. Parenting is your greatest opportunity to influence tomorrow. It’s your greatest opportunity to bring joy and peace and value to somebody in your charge by your example and leadership. God is entrusting you with the privilege of shaping eternal humanity, made in the image of God.
The goal of parenting isn’t just to make sure your kids aren’t holy terrors … just like the goal of marriage isn’t just to stay ‘un-divorced.’ The major goal of parenting is to have your children learn the way of righteousness and embrace it for themselves.
The goal of parenting isn’t just to make sure your kids aren’t holy terrors … just like the goal of marriage isn’t just to stay ‘un-divorced.’ The major goal of parenting is to have your children learn the way of righteousness and embrace it for themselves.
Scripture refers to children as 'arrows.' But by itself, an arrow is useless. An arrow only goes where you aim it.
You want to do something risky, but that will help you as a parent? Ask your kids what they believe you’re most passionate about –see what they say. Chances are, you'll get a wake-up call. And if you don’t like their answers, it’s time to put down your bow and figure out what new direction you’re going to shoot the arrow in.
Today, you are training your future masters. Proverbs says: "A wise child brings joy to his father." Do you know why that is? Because that wise child is going to rule over you someday. If you want your home and nation to be places where peace and righteousness prevail, aim that arrow in the direction of GOD, because you’re discipling your future caregiver, Dad – you are writing your own future story, Mom - by the way you’re raising your children.
You have been given the greatest privilege on EARTH to raise a son or daughter – and when the arrows are shot in the right direction, there’s nothing as satisfying and beautiful as that.
Today, you are training your future masters. Proverbs says: "A wise child brings joy to his father." Do you know why that is? Because that wise child is going to rule over you someday. If you want your home and nation to be places where peace and righteousness prevail, aim that arrow in the direction of GOD, because you’re discipling your future caregiver, Dad – you are writing your own future story, Mom - by the way you’re raising your children.
You have been given the greatest privilege on EARTH to raise a son or daughter – and when the arrows are shot in the right direction, there’s nothing as satisfying and beautiful as that.
Quote from MARLEY & ME, with a slight 'tweak':
"A CHILD has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. A CHILD doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"
Kiss your family tonight.
And be blessed.
1 comment:
I want you to know that your sermon, while maybe meant for parents and chidren, meant the world to me. It reinforced the responsibility and joys...and tears...of the extended family. I cried, not because the dog died, but because everyone played the integral role in everybody else's life. God made relationships in all shapes and sizes, and you managed to remind me of that during last week's service.
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