Reclaiming Our Children

by Davidson, Pamela

• ISBN13: 9781449762971
• ISBN10: 1449762972
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-09-17
• Publisher: Westbow Press

Summary

Are you trying your best to be a good parent but questioning if your best is good enough? When it comes to parenting, it's not a one-size-fits-all world. Just as each child is uniquely created, an approach can be tailored that is a custom fit for each child. The keys to forming that perfect fit are reliance on the Holy Spirit and the Word. Be assured that there is a spiritual battle being waged for the lives of believers' children. Remaining oblivious to the war practically ensures defeat. Children need us to be guardian warriors who boldly take authority and do what is necessary to avoid the snares, lures, and landmines that have been set for them. The war can be won without instilling fear. In fact, fear is one of the enemy's favorite weapons, so fearful parents are playing right into his hands. By discovering the basis for fear, it can be rooted out and replaced by faith and peace.

Excerpts

There are two broad stroke approaches in viewing your parenting assignment. Out of those will flow the type of relationships we have with our children, serving as the basis for many decisions. The first is ownership. A parent who sees himself as owner will think, "This is my child. God gave him to me, and I am responsible for establishing all the rules and boundaries. I am in charge of his upbringing and determining the course of his life for the next eighteen years. My reward will be a moral adult who is a productive citizen, loves God, and has the admiration of the world." Sounds like a tall order. In fact, it sounds like a job for "super parent." Super parents are very vigilant. Heaven forbid that they should err. They are attempting to raise a little Mary Poppins—"practically perfect in every way." The pressure they apply to their children is only slightly less than the pressure they apply to themselves. The second perspective is that of guardianship. A parent who sees himself as the guardian and God as the owner will think, "If I raise this child according to Biblical principles, seeking God for life direction, I can trust that the resulting adult will be one who brings glory to his Creator, and that will be my reward." Still no small task, but the pressure is off the parent and on the Lord, who is strong and completely faithful. At the heart of the ownership-guardianship issue is trust versus control. Are we willing to put the reins that guide our children into God's hands, or will we grasp those reins tightly in our fists? If we insist on doing it our way, get ready for a wild ride!