How to Parent Right
Luke 2:39-52
Exhaustion
"In everything on this earth worth doing, there is a stage when no one would do it except for necessity or honor." G.K. Chesterton
Fear
Rejection
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Ps. 127:3)
A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. (Proverbs 13:1)
He who assaults his father and drives his mother away is a shameful and disgraceful son. (Prov. 19:26)
A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. (Prov. 15:20)
Guilt
“…we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son.” (Rom. 8:28-29, The Message)
“The process of parenting is one of the most spiritually formative journeys a man and woman can ever undertake ... We need to raise children every bit as much as they need us to raise them." (Gary Thomas, “Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls”)
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:39-52)
1. Live a life committed to the Lord.
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. (Luke 2:39-41)
2. Pass on a legacy of faith to your children.
When He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast. (Luke 2:42)
Always remember these commands I give you today. Teach them to your children, and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them down and tie them to your hands as a sign. Tie them on your forehead to remind you, and write them on your doors and gates. (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)
Pray regularly.
Worship as a family.
Teach your kids.
3. Let your children go so they can grow.
Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” (Luke 2:46-48)
Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. (Luke 2:49-50)
4. Memorialize the moments you have with your kids.
“And His mother Mary treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
