Continuing the discussion of how theology should impact our parenting.

Bible is a Storybook not an Encyclopedia
We often describe the Bible as our manual for living. This is a good description, but sometimes we then treat it as an encyclopedia where we look up references for any given topic or problem. If we simply read a few verses on marriage, sex, money, parenting, etc. we will have an incorrect, out-of-context understanding of what God has to say about our lives in relation to Him. The Bible is a storybook. It is God’s story of His character, creation, redemption, and His plan for the ages. All other stories of people and nations find their life, meaning, and hope in this grand universal story. It gives us all a reason to get up in the morning and do we what were called to do: Glorify God!

Teen Drama
Our teenagers tend to get caught up in the drama of their lives and live so focused in the moment. They are driven by desire for pleasure and personal happiness. Like many adults too, they often make decisions they later regret because they lose sight of the bigger picture. Rather then “throwing” individual Bible verses at them for a specific issue or topic, they need to see and understand the larger story of what God is doing and how they fit into the script. All of us need to see that our lives are part of something so much bigger and more important than our happiness. We need a glory and a purpose that is grander than our own. Connecting your teenager’s story to God’s story will give them hope, strength, and courage to endure and strive for something greater. It gives them THE reason to do what is right that is more powerful than “because I said so”: It’s all for God’s glory.

Part of God’s Story
As Christian parents, we need to be faithful on a daily basis to embed the stories and drama of our teen’s life into the story of God. What is HE doing,? What has HE promised? What does HE command? How will these facts shape the way we think and respond? Our teenagers need to know and understand that they are part of God’s Story and He has an important role for them. It gives meaning and purpose to everything they are doing.
I’m praying for you. Let me know how I can help or better serve you and your family.