Introduction
Video Ill.: Parenting - A Holy Stewardship
Parenting is not easy!
Parents Have It Rough
Source: John Maxwell, "What Children Owe Their Parents (and Themselves)," Preaching Today, Tape 140.
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1997/july/737.html
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Jack Moore wrote a story about two teenagers. One teenager was talking to another, "I'm really worried. Dad slaves away at his job so I'll never want for anything, so I can go to college. And Mom spends every day washing and ironing and cleaning up after me. She takes care of me when I'm sick."
The other kid says, "So what are you worried about?"
The first teenager says, "I'm afraid they might try to escape."
I’ve thought about trying to escape a few times. Haven’t you?
Parenting, I have come to learn, is not for the faint of heart or the weak.
New Research on Parent’s Priorities and Challenges
Source: Rachel Minkin and Juliana Menasche Horowits, “Parenting in America Today,” PEW Research Center (1-24-23)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2023/august/new-research-on-parents-priorities-and-challenges.html
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The Pew Research Center released a new survey on parenting in America today (2023). Here are some highlights:
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid reports of a growing youth mental health crisis, four-in-ten U.S. parents with children younger than 18 say they are extremely or very worried that their children might struggle with anxiety or depression at some point. In fact, mental health concerns top the list of parental worries, followed by 35% who are similarly concerned about their children being bullied.
When asked about their aspirations for their children when they reach adulthood, parents prioritize financial independence and career satisfaction. Roughly nine-in-ten parents say it’s extremely or very important to them that their children be financially independent when they are adults, and the same group says it’s equally important that their children have jobs or careers they enjoy. About four-in-ten (41%) say it’s extremely or very important to them that their children earn a college degree, while smaller groups place a lot of importance on their children eventually becoming parents (20%) and getting married (21%).
While being concerned about all of those things is fine and dandy, even more importantly, though, we should be concerned about our children’s souls, especially in this world we live in today.
We are continuing our study about Jesus coming soon. We’ve looked at some of the things Jesus Himself had to say about His own return. He taught us that we do not know when He will be coming. Not even He knows when God will be sending Him back to take His bride home.
We do know that He will be coming. There are many signs in the world today that show that it cannot be such a long way off. But even if it is beyond our lifetime, we still must be ready to meet our Maker. One day, we will all pass away, at which time, we must be ready to leave this world.
We are to be ready, Jesus said, so that we are not surprised or caught off guard when He does return.
We have to make sure that we are living in such a way that we are truly ready — living a life of truly expectant hope, a life that is set apart, a life that is a powerful witness to the love God has for us.
This morning, we are taking those thoughts a bit deeper, thinking about our families.
Parents: today I want to think just for a few moments about how we make sure that our families are also ready. As important as our own salvation is, we must also be preparing our children’s souls for the day of Jesus’ return — laying the groundwork of faith that will grow in them and that will lead them into a personal relationship with Jesus.
In Scripture, there are two great examples of parents showing their children the way — the way that will set them up to be ready when that time comes for them to make the decision of following Jesus themselves.
So as we begin, I want to first look at fathers and husbands.
In Acts 16, Luke tells the story of Paul and Silas being jailed in Philippi because of the message of the gospel.
Maybe you remember how that went. Paul and Silas meet a slave girl in Philippi who had the ability to foretell the future. She made her slave owners lots of money with her “gift”.
She kept saying over and over that Paul and Silas were men of God, and that they were bringing a message of salvation for the people. It became frustrating to Paul, so much so that he looked at this girl and commanded the evil spirit to leave her.
Out went the spirit. Out went her ability to tell the future. Away went the money that she would earn for her owners.
Angry that they had lost their source of income, her owners took Paul and Silas before the authorities. Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison.
Let’s pick up the story from verse 25, in Acts 16:
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. 27 The || jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. || 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed || their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family. (Acts 16, NIV)
The jailer, scripture said, and all his family were baptized.
This husband and father made sure that he was ready, and through his leadership, and the sharing by Paul and Silas, he made sure that his family was ready as well.
He took the lead as the head of the household.
How can we do that today in our families?
In Ephesians, Paul writes about just that.
First, fathers and husbands need to let Christ be the leader of our lives.
The Philippian jailer was the first to hear the gospel. He surrendered to Jesus, and let Jesus become the leader of His life.
Paul says in Ephesians 5:2:
2 …live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5, NIV)
Fathers and husbands, lead your family in love, just as Jesus leads us in love.
Let Jesus be the Lord of your life. Surrender to him in all things. Ensure that you have a relationship with Jesus.Make sure that you’re ready, first and foremost.
Then, husbands and fathers, love your wives as Jesus loves the church.
Paul said in Ephesians 5:25:
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy…. (Ephesians 5, NIV)
There are many things that we could say here about Paul’s direction, but in the context of our study today, men, you need to be concerned about your wives’ spiritual condition.
Pray for her. Always. Daily. Hourly. Love her as much as Jesus has loved us.
Pray that she will be able to overcome temptation. Pray that she will be strong in the faith. Pray that she will be an example to your children. Love her as much as you love yourself.
Finally, men, treat your family as a mission field.
Always in all things be sharing the gospel with your family. Teach by example. And, as Saint Francis of Assisi said, when necessary, use words.
Paul said in Ephesians 5:1, to all Christians:
1 Be imitators of God … as dearly loved children. (Ephesians 5, NIV)
Lead in your family, being an example of love and of Jesus.
Lead a Godly life.
Be the spiritual leader in your home. Lead by example.
Know that the family really does watch and see what the head of household does.
A Boy Who Dreams of Being a Cop Calls 911 on His Dad
Source: Chris Vallini, "A boy who dreams of being a cop calls 911 on his dad," Boston Herald (6-1-16)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2017/may/6051517.html
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A Boston-area boy taught his father a lesson about this very thing when he called the cops after his dad ran a red light. When Mike Richardson turned right at a red light (a legal move), his son Robbie called 911 as soon as they got home. The conversation went like this:
Dispatcher Bowes: 9-1-1 this line's recorded, what's your emergency?
Robbie: Um, Daddy went past a red light. It was in the brand new car, my mommy's car.
Dispatcher Bowes: Yup
When Mr, Richardson heard the call, he said, "I just kind of, you know, panicked for a second."
The story ended with smiles (and no citations), but as one news outlet put it, "Keep your eyes on the road, for you never know what the backseat driver might do."
Robbie later told the Boston Globe that if his dad ran another light "I'll call the eye doctor so he can fix his eyes."
It is so true — they are watching. Set an example by being an imitator of God. Behave as God wants us to act. Think about tha the age old question: What would Jesus do? Then when you have that answer, do it.
Fathers and husbands have the God-given responsibility of looking out for, protecting, and leading his family.
Part of that responsibility of leading involves making sure his family is ready — ready for the time when Jesus will return.
And it’s not just a one time thing — a single shot. As our families grow and mature, the ways we make sure they are ready grows as well.
There eventually comes the time when it is our family’s decision about whether they choose to follow Jesus themselves. But we need to give them all of the tools to know Jesus, to love Him, and to lead our families down the path to a relationship with God.
2. Moms and wives: you have a responsibility to your family as well.
That responsibility, I believe, is also to live as an example to your children, and ultimately giving them an example of faith by which they can live.
When we think about living as an example of faith, we often think of Timothy, and the women in his life that so influenced him.
In 2 Timothy 1, Paul says:
5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. (2 Timothy 1, NIV)
These two Godly women certainly had a role in the faith that Timothy now possessed. It is an important role in making sure that our children are ready for Jesus’ return.
As we think about that, first, wives and moms, make sure your faith is placed solely in God above.
Make sure you’re ready.
Do not let anything distract you from God. Make sure you are taking time to build and strengthen your relationship with God.
I promise, there will be many things every day that will try to distract you, as you care for your children and your family. There are many, many things that, if allowed, will keep you from making sure your faith is strong.
Moms really do wear many hats. And, sometimes, it’s hard to take those hats off and care for yourselves.
Mothers Never Get a Break
Source: Dan Meyer, in the sermon "God's Love for Weary Mothers," Christ Church of Oak Brook (preached 5-11-03)
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2010/may/7050310.html
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The story is told that at the end of the day, a hungry 15-year-old boy found his mother in bed and was suddenly filled with concern.
"Mom, are you sick or something?"
"Well, as a matter of fact," his mother replied weakly, "I'm not feeling too well."
"I'm sorry Mom," the boy responded with furrowed brow. After a brief pause, he then added: "Don't you worry a bit about dinner. I'm getting pretty big now, and I'll be happy to carry you down to the stove!"
True love of a son, right?
Make sure you are taking care of yourselves, both physically and spiritually. Your families need you.
Moms and wives, make sure you love your husband and your family.
Paul wrote to Titus, teaching Titus what he should be teaching his church. In Titus 2, we read:
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 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. (Titus 2, NIV)
In Ephesians 5, Paul wrote that wives need to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Jesus. It is often asked, “why do women not have to love their husbands?” I do not believe Paul was leaving that out, or he would not have written to Titus what he did.
Moms and wives: love your husbands and your children. Love your families.
Be the strength and support your husband and family needs.
Part of loving your family is praying for them. Pray for their souls. Pray that your children will love God. Pray that they will find a relationship with God as well. Pray that they will be ready too.
Pray that your husband will be the faithful leader of your home.
Pray that he will be stand strong, protecting the family, defending the faith, and being that example to the family.
Make sure, though, to love the family.
It is said that a mom’s love is about as close as we can get to understanding God’s love for us:
A mom’s love is unconditional — a mom gives love away without expecting anything in return.
A mom loves her children all the same — she has no preferences or favorites. She has more than enough love for all her kids. ** One year, for Christmas, I remember that Ruth gave Amanda, Bucky and Wade a t-shirt. I remember Bucky opened his first, I think it was, and the shirt said, “Mom’s favorite”. Amanda and Wade both froze. Of course, when Amanda and Wade opened their t-shirts, they all said the same thing.
A mom’s love is pure — she wants nothing but the best for her kids.
A mom is there for her children at all times — whenever they need her, mom is there.
All of those things perfectly describe how a mom loves, but it also reflects how God loves us.
Moms — you are a reflection of God to your family — to your children — and to your husband.
In all of this, your faith is shown to your children — a faith that shows your love for God who loves you.
In that way, by the way that you live, you are passing on your faith to your children, just as Lois and Eunice passed on their faith to Timothy.
Conclusion
Parenting is really all about making sure that we have prepared our children, that we have instilled in our children, the basis on which their personal faith will grow.
We are responsible for making sure we have given them the path to finding their own relationship with God.
We have a duty to do everything we can to make sure that our families are ready, because we do not know when Jesus will return.
Paul warns us in Ephesians 5:15 and 16:
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5, NIV)
Folks, it is true, the days today are evil. We do not know how much longer God will wait before sending Jesus to judge the world, to set things right, to take His children home.
So be careful, moms and dads, how you live. Make sure you are setting the right example for your children. Make sure you are doing all you can to make sure your family is ready for that time when the trumpets will announce that Jesus has come again.
Make sure that you have a home that honors God in all things.
Now, I have said all of these things to mothers and fathers today. But listen grandparents, aunts, uncles, and extended family: you are not off the hook. Make sure today that you, too, are living examples to your family. Make sure that you support the family. Make sure you encourage your adult children who are parents to live Godly lives — helping them to live a spiritual sound and God honoring life. Make sure that you are ready at all times.
Solomon promised in Proverbs 22:
6 Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from
it.
Proverbs 22, NIV
We may wonder at times. But we can have faith that when the seed of faith is planted in our children, it will grow in them and they too will one day make the choice for themselves to give their lives to Jesus. They will make that decision to be ready for Jesus’ return.
Next week, we will move into the second part of our series, where we will be looking at some practical ways to see the world as our mission field — ways for us to share the gospel — to help plant that seed of faith in other people’s lives. We will start with the topic of our children, expanding on what we have said today, giving specific ways we can train them in the ways of God, so, as Solomon said, when they are old, they will not depart from them.
But before we can be Godly parents, and Godly examples in our families, we have to first make sure that our relationship with God is established and growing.
We need to first surrender our lives to Jesus, making Him our Lord and Savior.
Do you need to get yourself ready? Do you need Jesus today?
If so, we encourage you to come today — confess Him as your Lord, be washed in the watery grave of baptism, and rise to walk a new life in Him, ready for whenever He comes again to take His children home.
