Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Approach (part 1)
Parenting is a sacred responsibility, and as parents, we desire to raise our children in a way that reflects our faith and values. However, navigating the challenges and complexities of parenting can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the best way forward. In this blog post, we will explore the first 7 of the 14 transformative Gospel principles that have the power to revolutionize your parenting journey. From understanding your calling to embracing grace, authority, and mercy, these principles offer valuable insights for nurturing your child’s heart and character.
To watch a video of this lesson, please go to https://youtu.be/7zcmgH5nl2E.
Principle 1: Calling – Nothing is more important in your life than being one of God’s tools to form a human soul.
As parents, we have been entrusted with the incredible responsibility of shaping and molding our children’s lives. Recognizing this calling helps us prioritize our role and seek God’s guidance in every decision we make.
Principle 2: Grace – God never calls you to a task without giving you what you need to do it. He never sends you without going with you.
Parenting can be challenging, but we can take comfort in the assurance that God equips us with the necessary grace and strength to fulfill our role. We can rely on His guidance and presence as we navigate the ups and downs of raising our children.
Principle 3: Law – Your children need God’s law, but you cannot ask the law to do what only grace can accomplish.
While it is essential to teach our children the principles of right and wrong, we must remember that enforcing rules alone cannot transform their hearts. It is through the grace of God that true change and growth occur.
Principle 4: Inability – Recognizing what you are unable to do is essential to good parenting.
Acknowledging our limitations as parents allow us to lean on God for wisdom, strength, and guidance. It reminds us that we are not meant to bear the burden alone but to rely on God’s provision.
Principle 5: Identity – If you are not resting as a parent in your identity in Christ, you will look for identity in your children.
Our identity should not be solely derived from our role as parents. Instead, we find our true identity in Christ, which enables us to parent with grace, love, and a balanced perspective.
Principle 6: Process – You must be committed as a parent to long-view parenting because change is a process and not an event.
Parenting is a journey, and change takes time. Embracing a long-term perspective allows us to have patience, persistence, and a focus on character development rather than quick fixes.
Principle 7: Lost – As a parent, you’re not dealing just with bad behavior but a condition that causes bad behavior.
When our children exhibit challenging behavior, it is crucial to recognize that there may be underlying heart issues contributing to it. Understanding this helps us approach their struggles with empathy, love, and a desire for their restoration.
Bringing It Home: Final Thoughts
Parenting is a sacred and rewarding journey, but it is not without its challenges. In this blog post, we have reviewed the first 7 of the 14 principles. Check back on June 5th for the conclusion. By embracing these 14 Gospel principles, we can radically transform our approach to parenting. From recognizing our calling and relying on God’s grace to understanding the importance of character development and extending mercy, these principles provide a solid foundation for raising children who are rooted in faith, love, and godly values. May you be inspired and empowered as you apply these principles to your own parenting journey, trusting in God’s guidance every step of the way.
Reflection Questions: Gospel principles for parenting
- How can I deepen my understanding of my calling as a parent and prioritize it above all else in my life? What steps can I take to align my actions and decisions with this divine calling?
- In what ways can I lean on God’s grace and rely on His presence as I navigate the challenges of parenting? How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and dependence on God in my parenting journey?
- How can I strike a balance between teaching my children God’s law and extending His grace? How can I ensure that my parenting approach reflects the transformative power of grace rather than simply enforcing rules?
- Am I aware of my limitations as a parent? How can I embrace humility and seek God’s wisdom and strength in areas where I feel inadequate? How can I model a posture of learning and growth for my children?
- How am I finding my identity as a parent? Am I seeking validation or fulfillment solely through my children’s achievements and behavior? How can I cultivate a secure identity in Christ that allows me to parent from a place of love, grace, and authenticity?
- Do I approach parenting with a long-term perspective, understanding that change is a process? How can I cultivate patience, persistence, and a focus on character development in my interactions with my children?
- When faced with challenging behavior from my children, do I recognize the underlying heart issues that may be contributing to it? How can I respond with empathy and seek restoration rather than simply addressing the external behavior?
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