One thing Greg and I discuss often is our goals for parenting our four children. We both feel strongly that our priority should be on their spiritual training rather than extracurricular activities, i.e. sports, social life, etc. In particular, we feel the pressure to focus on athletic training. The time, money and energy spent on kids' sports literally blows our minds! It's as if everyone thinks they are raising Olympic or Professional Athletes. Instead, Greg and I try to keep our focus on the fact that we are to raise Men and Women of God. And, while we do that, the rest of it will fall into place. If we are in God's Will, focusing on what HE wants for our children, their strengths and talents will be accounted for, whether it be in sports, music or some other area. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Came across the below set of scriptures during my morning devotion (thanks to the awesome Asbury Prayer Journal!). Although I have read them before, they struck me in a whole new way this time...now that I am a Mom. I hope they serve as a blessing to you as they did for me. I am including three different versions as they are each so beautiful in their own way.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
I Timothy 4:6-8, NIV
6-10You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally.
I Timothy 4:6-8, The Message
7But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers' tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit].
8For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.
I Timothy 4:7-8, The Amplified Bible
2 comments:
Hey girl! I loved your post! You are such a role model and an encourager to other parents! I gave you a shout out today on my blog about being "weird" meaning choosing to do things differently such as parenting than the world tells us to. Thanks for the post! Hope you have a good week!
I found your words "refreshing". There is so much pressure put on parents to make sure that kids don't get left behind in school, sports, etc, but seemingly no pressure to make sure that our kids are "the best they can be" in God. We ALL need to rethink our priorities, just as you have done.
Good job! (I followed momof3girls here.)
Post a Comment