What is your purpose as a parent?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this question.
I think loving them is a given.
But what else?
When you have a newborn, you would say your purpose is to protect them; to feed them; to help them stay alive.
When you have a toddler, you would say it is to help them learn to walk; to keep them from harm; to teach them simple things.
Let’s skip to high school. What is your purpose as a parent?
Love? Of course. Protect them? Definitely.
Feed them? Absolutely…and a lot!
But the truth is we can’t really protect our kids at any age. Yes, we can try our best to keep them safe. We can make sure no blankets are in the crib. We can cover all the electrical outlets. We can take steps to make it safer for our kids. But we can’t completely protect them.
So what is our purpose?
I have two teenagers. I try to monitor their phones. I don’t let them go wherever they want. I talk to them about choosing their friends. I try to protect them.
But can I, really?
If they want to sneak and do something, they’re going to find a way to do it.
And your kids will too.
So again, I ask, what’s our purpose?
What’s our goal?
To raise nice kids?
That’s not enough friends.
To raise happy kids?
That’s not enough.
To raise successful kids?
Still not enough.
To raise church kids?
Wrong answer.
I wanted anyone to be able to read this post and get helpful insight on raising their kids.
I didn’t want it to be “just a Jesus” post.
But when I think about my purpose and goal as a parent, the only way to achieve it is with Jesus.
I want joy; I want love; I want safety for my kids. At every age.
The only way for them to have this is with Jesus.
So my goal must be to tell them; and show them; and teach them about the hope found only in Him.
True joy isn’t found in material things. They can be gone in an instant.
True love isn’t found in a best friend or a boyfriend.
Death can steal them in the blink of an eye.
True protection isn’t found in staying in the safest places with the safest people.
The safest place can quickly turn into a battleground.
I want to teach them right from wrong. I want to teach them to be kind. I want to teach them to make good choices. I want to teach them to help others.
And I know you want to teach the same things to your kids too.
But to do so effectively, it has to start at the beginning; with Jesus.
He is where strength is found. He is where love is found. He is where joy is found. He is where eternal protection is found.
If you are struggling as a parent; if you’re not sure of the path to take; if you are struggling to find your way; look to Jesus.
He is the way and the truth and the life. John 14:6
