Could you be guilty of parental legalism? What do I mean by that? Parental legalism often focuses on behavior as opposed to the heart. These legalists make Christianity all about “the law,” often their own law or house rules. When they do, they run the risk of keeping their children from seeing their need for genuine heart change and a personal relationship with Christ. So … could you have fallen into some parental legalism, perhaps without realizing it?
We’ll also read about how and how not to communicate with a person who is acting like a fool, and how we can sometimes practice idolatry without recognizing it for what it is.
Often when we harbor some sin, we console ourselves by claiming it only affects us. But both when we sin and when we choose to respond as we should, we never do it in isolation. The effect of our behavior on our children and others can be profound and long-lasting. Will we affect them for good or evil? What are we teaching them by our example?
Also, read about the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes and the sweetness of God’s wisdom.
When we go through tests and trials, there is often a roller coaster of emotions. But as believers, we don’t have to let our emotions run the show! How can we learn to live by something other than our feelings and emotions?
Also:
Doing all the “right things” (as much as is humanly possible) doesn’t guarantee that our children will grow up to serve and love God. After all, God is a perfect parent, and look at what some of His children do. There are three forces at work in our children’s lives. What are they?
Leaving a church can be a hard decision for many of us, especially if we have been there for a long time. And we are warned about constantly criticizing, complaining, or being divisive within the church body. But is there a time when we must disagree? If so, how should it be done? And are there times when we should leave a church?
Also, we will look at the question of spanking. Should physical discipline be a part of today’s parenting? And if you spank, what should be your heart attitude when doing so?
Recently we’ve talked about how to have peace in place of the anxiety and distress so many are facing today. We also looked at various kinds of legalism, including how it might look in our parenting, how some of our politicians are too much like one of Israel’s kings, the test of genuine faith and so much more.
A quick scan of the links below will show you the wide variety of subjects we’ve covered. There are links to the posts here on the website and to the YouTube version.
Recently we’ve talked about how to have peace in place of the anxiety and distress so many are facing today. We also looked at various kinds of legalism, including how it might look in our parenting, how some of our politicians are too much like one of Israel’s kings, the test of genuine faith and so much more.
A quick scan of the links below will show you the wide variety of subjects we’ve covered. There are links to the posts here on the website and to the YouTube version.
One of the most concise Biblical instructions for parents appears in the book of Ephesians where it says, “… do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Some of the ways we provoke our children to anger are obvious, but others may be less so. Could you be provoking your children to anger in ways you haven’t realized?
We are in a series called “Rock Your Faith.” The principle in this week’s post, Personal Accountability & Snowplow Parents” is at the heart of our ability to grow and change. Without it, our growth will be stunted at best. It’s something with which most of us struggle. It affects our relationships with God, with others, and our ability to parent well. Yet, much of what has been written about it is far from helpful.
Many people consider parenting to be the mother’s job and, even if they believe both parents need to be involved, mom often ends up with most of the responsibility. But parenting isn’t a one-person job. God intended for moms and dads to parent as a team.
One of the most important skills in overcoming anger and building good relationships is learning how to communicate in a loving, God-honoring way. Ephesians 4 contains some of the clearest passages on the subject of communication. The principles can be summed up in 4 easy to understand “rules” that you can apply and teach your children.
