"Parenting in the Presence of God"

As Christians we all know that it is foolish to try to accomplish any task without depending completely on Christ as our source of strength. Yet many times, we seem to try to take on one of the greatest responsibilities in our lives without depending on the Lord. Raising children is not just a task to be accomplished, but a mission handed down to us by God. The Lord has given us this “blessing”  (Psalm 127:3) and expects us to be faithful in how we handle our children. We cannot discipline and correct children outside the instruction of God’s Word and still expect His blessing on their young lives. At the same time, we must draw on the strength of the Lord to follow His instruction. That is why I have titled these thoughts “Parenting in the Presence of God”, because that is exactly what we must do!

Jesus said in John 15:5, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” Believe me when I say, “WE NEED THIS FRUIT AS PARENTS”… What fruit? Fruit in the Bible is always good. The fruit that we need is the “fruit of the Spirit” (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.) Staying “In Christ” is the only way that we can continue to have this fruit.

Do you know that you need to LOVE your kids better and more effectively but struggle in the area of showing them affectionate love? Stay in Christ! Spend more time in private devotion… James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you! The nearer to God you are, the better job you will do of loving your children!

What about the fruit of joy, peace, or even patience? The great thing about the “fruit” of the spirit is that it is all wrapped into one. In other words, the more God you have in your life, the more of ALL of these Christ-like attributes you will possess. The Fruit of the Spirit is the very nature and character of Christ living and growing in the born again believer!

It is the very Spirit of Christ living inside of us who gives us the character to hold onto our blessings and handle them in a Christ-centered fashion. This is true in every area of the Christian life. In our finances we have to trust God, obey His Word, and have godly character in how we manage our money. Our behavior and attitude in the work place; how we treat our coworkers, and how we treat our boss… its still the same principle. We obey His Word in every situation and we ask the Holy Spirit to give us the character, the desire, and the strength to carry out the details that seem difficult to us. Because nothing is difficult for the Christ in us, “With God all things are possible”!

The focus of my messages in this format is obviously Parents & Kids, but these principles need to be applied to your life and mine. Whatever we find difficult that we know is what God wants for us is the area that we need Christ’s help to walk in true and real obedience to the Lord’s leading. When we learn to truly surrender to the His Will is when the Kingdom will be advanced!