I believe with this blog I'm going to stir up a lot of controversy. After completing a mom's Bible Study and being encouraged about being a mother, I gained some additional insight into motherhood. Lately it seems that there is a need to be our children's best friend. Why? Is it because we want them to come and talk to us? Is it because we want them to "love" us? Are we afraid that our children will grow to hate us?
I'm not sure of the answer. Well, honestly, I think the answer really depends on the person. I love my daughter and I want her to grow up and become a respectable adult. I want her to love God with an unshakeable faith. But how do I go about doing that? Here's what I have come up with...
1. I need to love God. YES! If I love God with all that I am, He will honor that. (Romans 8:28) He will give me the guidance, love, encouragement, and support that I need. Motherhood is not easy and I cannot do it alone. (OK, so my husband is a great support but I need my Heavenly Father, who knows all, to guide my path.) By being an example of loving God and trusting Him, I'm demonstrating and teaching my daughter to do the same. Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. I'm a parent, a LEADER, to my daughter.
.2. Discipline. Uh oh...I said a word not many people want to hear or use anymore. If I want my child to listen and follow my instructions then I need to correct her when she makes a mistake. This is not always easy. (Sometime my heart breaks when I have to correct her. Man am I eating the words of "nu uh" when my parents would spank me and say this hurts me more than it hurts you.) Discipline can mean a variety of things and children respond to them all differently...but NEVER abuse your child. God instructs us to discipline our children...Proverbs 13:24, "Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them." I love my daughter enough to protect her and help her in life and this require discipline.
3. Worship with her. Notice I did not say worship her. Sometimes I think parents who want to be their child's best friends worship their child's accomplishments. I need to attend church with my family and not drop them off. There needs to be a need for church and not an excuse. I heard on the radio once that some parents care more about our child's sports life than they do about their eternal life. Where is your focus? I need to provide my daughter with multiple opportunities to grow and that happens at church.
4. Teach her. It is not enough to take your children to church on Sundays and maybe Wednesday nights and expect them to know God. I must be intentional every day and all day. I need to pray with her and not only at bedtime or dinner time (which are both great by the way!). I have to talk to her about God and His love for her. I cannot simply expect that 1872 hours (2 hours a week for 18 years) will simply equip her to share about God to the world.
Being a Christian mother in today's world can seem like you are swimming against the current (which metaphorically you are). But where and in whom do you place your trust? Who do you run to daily to guide your steps? Children have enough opportunities to make friends in this world but are only given one set of parents. I am choosing to be a beautifully messed up Mom that loves the Lord, rather than my daughter's best friend for life.
