Parenting Adults…that act like children

 

Day 1 - 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

 

Humility is the ability to see beyond my own needs, preferences, wants and desires, then to consider the big picture regarding the whole of who I am and my relationships with significant others. It is when a parent becomes selfless so they can give freely to their kids. It is also when children recognize the rich blessing that comes from those who are older. If we find this truth we find health. My prayer is that each one of us renew our commitment to each other and look for God’s strength and wisdom to live out the call to humility.

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Day 2  - Titus 2:4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,  5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no-one will malign the word of God.  6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.  7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness  8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 

Character and personal accountability are the key factors to health in every area of life. Personal accountability is taking responsibility for my life, and character is the moral compass that will guide all my actions. We cannot allow our actions and character to be driven by other people, circumstances or situations. The source must be from within, powered by my commitment to Christ. This week ask yourself  “Am I a person of strong character and personal accountability?” then ask the question “What is driving my life and who am I allowing to speak into my life?” 

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Day 3 - Ga 6:8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 

The process of sowing and reaping (illustration from gardening) is always at play in our lives. The seeds we plant produce the returns we receive. Scripture says, it is by the fruit of our life that we will recognize those who are children of God. If we don’t like the harvest of our life, we have to plant something different in our lives. It reminds me of the old saying “if you keep doing what you have always done, you’ll keep getting what you have always got.”  Think about what changes you want and plant in your life the seeds it will require to make it grow. 

Additional Scriptures: Matt 7:15 - 20

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Day 4 - Mt 25:21 "His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’… 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 

Jesus parable shows how faithfulness produces blessing. Each person has differing abilities and each is called “Good and Faithful” based on what they did with what they have. This principle is a foundation for healthy living. God says if we have been faithful with little we will be given more, if we are unfaithful with little even what we have is taken away. So we are compelled to ask the question of personal accountability, ”What am I doing with what I have?” 

Additional Scriptures: Mt 25:14-30

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Day 5 - Php 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

The goal of our life is to walk out character and personal accountability to the place that we can say as a parent, friend, or mentor “whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice”. Until my life becomes an example for others I am not living up to my potential. Each one of us has this potential if we will allow God’s word to transform who we are into who He can make us. Our part is willingness, faith and obedience. These acts of faithfulness he will transform into life change.

 

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The Principle of Empowering!!!  Encouraging & Supporting

·      Believe in their potential

·      Provide knowledge needed

·      Train the skills

·      Encourage their progress

·      Make them self-reliant.

(It’s like riding a bike!!)

 

Tell them the truth and learn to say “no” as well as “yes”… then seek for a way to support them in whatever they choose

 

·      When they ignore good advice don’t say “I told you so” they already know that… once again, ask if they want your input.

·      Help them out… don’t bail them out.

 

They need to understand some decisions you will not support, but you will support them.

 

Healthy looks different for different people.