For Whom Do You Parent?

For whom do you parent? When I look honestly at my motivations, I find that I often view parenting from the wrong perspective. Sometimes I am concerned about what others will think of me - so I parent with people in mind. Sometimes I am concerned about being a good pastor. I want to be an encouraging example - so I parent with the church in mind. On "good days" I am concerned about what kind of men my sons will become - so I parent with my boys in mind.

Now honestly, those motivations are not bad. I should be concerned about my testimony, the church and my son's future. However, none of those motivations go far enough. We are not parenting for the sake of other people. Frankly, we are not even parenting for the sake of our children. We are parenting for God.

Today, as you parent your children, think less about what other parents think of you. Think less about how your children will turn out. Instead, think more about what you can do and say that will cause Christ to say "well done" when you stand before Him.

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men."
Colossians 3:23