I’m really excited about this Sunday's message because I believe it can change your life, not just as a parent but as a person! This morning we’re focusing on the biblical theme of the blessing. From cover to cover, the Bible is a book of “blessing”. God’s desire to bless you and to bless others through you is one of the central themes of the Bible. Just consider for a moment that simple truth -- “God wants to bless you!” Go ahead and let that sink into your heart and mind.
1. Let’s take a look at a few of passages on blessing:
“God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28)
“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Ps 32:1)
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord.” (Ps 112:1)
“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)
Story about Peco and forgiveness
2. Defining the parenting crisis -
“the absence of parent’s participation and approval in the lives of children”
There is a parenting crisis in America today. It impacts your community, your neighborhood, and even your household. The industrial revolution took the man out of the home and into the work force. As a result, countless children lost out on valuable interaction with fathers or some fathers looked for other ways to influence their children after hours.
Exactly when “moms” left home and what caused it is a bit more complicated. But the rise of “easy credit” and our consumer culture has forced most households today into what I call “double jeopardy.” there are very few families anymore that can live on one income. A two income household has become an economic reality in our time. Now, my point is not to condemn us or our culture, but to point out that this does create a crisis for parenting, for children, and for the home. If everybody is working just trying to pay the bills, build a career, or find meaning in the work place, then who is keeping the home fire burning? Who is raising the children? Is day care, or the public school system, or a youth group going to raise your child? They can come along side and help, but they can never give your child what only a parent can give!
3. Overcoming the parenting crisis
So what is the parenting crisis that we all face? It is the absence of parents from children’s lives. To overcome this crisis in your “fight for the family” you must overcome two myths about children and parenting.
Myth #1: Kids will raise themselves
This is not true. When kids are left to themselves they naturally look for “parenting” surrogates such as peers, sports figures, celebrities, or gangs to look up to and find direction from. Do you really want someone else to parent your child?
We all lead busy lives, but one thing is for sure---kids don’t raise themselves, they need parents. Peers are not good parents, and day care, public school, or even church youth groups cannot parent your children, they can only assist with specific assignments. Your children need you!
Myth #2: Anyone can parent your child
Anyone can help, but not just anyone can parent your child. In 1996, Hillary Clinton gave a speech in Chicago entitled “It takes a village to raise a child”. Her speech was based on her book about the importance of the community in raising a child. She makes some great points about the importance of community. But the danger of focusing on the village is to forget the priority role of parenting.
That's just for openers. Join us Sunday as we take a look 5 was we can communicate the blessing to our children.
Pastor Tom
