Purpose of Parenting

At church, a small group study was begun on a book entitled Parent Fuel by Barry St. Clair. We had the privilege of having him speak at our church a few weeks ago. It was an amazing time. Parenting is a difficult challenge. It is the one job in life that has no job description, no resources, no rule book or manual, and no pay check either. However, God did give us a lot of help in his Word.

As a parent, I need a purpose. Many parents probably don't sit down long enough to think about what their purpose is in raising their children. Some would say things such as, "to make them productive citizens", or "to raise them right", maybe your is to have them avoid the mistakes you made. What about this purpose from Deuteronomy 6:5-7-

"Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. "

Is there a better or more straight forward parenting purpose?

If I love God with all that I am, won't everything else with my children (and my life) fall into place. It is not about teaching our children rules or certain behaviors or expectations. All this will lead to wandering and rebellion. It is about teaching them to serve the Lord and hear his voice, to have a heart that loves the Lord. This is a task that I cannot hardly grasp, let alone accomplish. However, God longs to accomplish it through me. I pray that I will grow in love with Him more and that my children do the same.