The next few posts continue the discussion of how theology should impact our parenting.
Higher Agenda
No matter what happens in life, regardless of our own desires and careful plans, the higher purpose is the will of God and the higher agenda is that we would live to please and glorify Him. As Christian parents we want to use every opportunity to point our teens back to God, who He is, and how they should respond to Him. God needs to be the focus and reason for what we do. This is practical theology.
Be Happy
If you survey most people asking what they want from out of life; the resounding answer would be “I just want to be happy.” Our teenagers are no different, and they often take their cues from the world around them.The somewhat scary thing about teenagers is that their definition of happiness may change throughout any given day. Having a central focus on your own happiness and pleasure can be downright dangerous. When happiness is the goal, most people will fall into sin to get it or keep it.
Apply Daily
When your teenager is disappointed because she didn’t make the team, get the job, earn the grade, get the part, keep the friend, _______ (fill in the blank), we should take notice and respond with love and kindness. But we also need to talk about living to ultimately please God. Over and again, we need to point our teens back to God and His purposes for allowing trials in our lives. Call your teen away from their own glory to a real understanding of what it means to live for God’s glory.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)
The best way for our teens to learn these life lessons is to see us living them out and talking about God’s role in our own life. I’m praying for you. Let me know how I can help or better serve you and your family.
in HIS service,
Pastor Mark
P.S. The themes and main ideas come from Paul David Tripp’s book “Age of Opportunity”. I’m summarizing what I read, adding my own thoughts and Scripture too.
You can read past posts on our church website HERE.