The Joy and Sorrow of Gospel-Centered Parenting
48 hours ago I was plagued by the thought, “I am a bad mom.”
That complete sentence ran through my mind, intrusive and uninvited, multiple times
throughout the evening. I would try and push it out, but the truth was, it was
gaining significant ground. Deep down, in those moments, I believed those words
to be true.
24 hours ago I overheard a podcast that my husband was
playing on his computer. One speaker encouraged listeners to remember that
parenting is much longer than a day. She reminded me that when I lift my eyes
up and see 5, 10, 15 years down the road, I gain a completely new perspective
of my job as a mother. When I’m focused just on this day- when I wasn’t patient
or kind during bath time, and the kids seemed to be sustained on sugar and “screen
time”- I have a much harsher ruling for myself. Bad Mom. When I remember,
however, that I am called to parent them to see Jesus exalted, for all of
eternity, today’s bath holds much less sway. Yes, a lifetime is made up of
seemingly “little” moments, and their weight is not to be completely dismissed.
Yet, it is my entire purpose as a mom that is refocused when I consider
worshipping before God’s throne forever. I am not a significant player in that
picture at all! My ability to control a situation or procure the attention and
obedience I think I deserve is revealed to be utterly insignificant, and an
erroneous pursuit in the light of God’s overwhelming glory!
The second speaker on that much-needed podcast discussed our
complete dependence on Jesus. She reminded me that as a regenerate believer in Christ,
I have died to myself and have been raised to life in Him! (Romans 6:4) It is
when I remember and rest in my identity in Jesus that I can live on mission and full of joy, more accurately displaying God’s love and glorifying Him as He
deserves.
Rather than respond to my discouragement with self-esteem
boosters and affirmations of, “No! You’re a great mom!” the Holy Spirit
lovingly took my eyes off of me and put them where they need to be. On Jesus.
My primary goal as a mom is not to ensure that my children meet
our culture’s standards- whether that be in regards to diet, entertainment,
education, dress, activities, or any other myriad of topics. I am commissioned
to teach my kids about Jesus. I am given the extreme honor and privilege of
telling them about the God who creates, redeems, and restores. As part of teaching
them about who God is and what His kingdom is like, I am also called to teach
them about sin.
Mine is clearly on display, so I must respond biblically,
demonstrating repentance and refusing to become complacent. It is vitally
important that my kids not only hear me say, “I’m sorry,” but that they also
see me engaging in battle to slay my sin, by grace alone. Sin threatens our
relationships and darkens that already-dim mirror through which our children see
the Lord reflected (1 Corinthians 13:12). Reading the Word and praying, therefore,
become far greater than duties which I must check off my daily chore-chart! In
addition to addressing my sin, I also must lovingly teach them about theirs.
Remembering that our children are born sinful and are dead apart from Christ’s
life-giving work prevents me from focusing on behavior modification more than
spiritual discipleship. As difficult as that is, and as foreign as it feels in
our culture today, teaching my kids about their sin will set them up to fully
revel in God’s mind-boggling grace!
12 hours ago I walked through the Columbus zoo, hand-in-hand
with my 6-year-old son. He’d been wanting to go on their “Pirate Island” boat
ride for quite a while! He had been hoping it would still be there since our
passes expired last season, and when it was closed on our first visit of this
season, the forbidden fruit became even more desirable! He finally got to ride
it with his dad today. Afterward I asked him how it was, and he said, “It was
so fun! I wish I could’ve gone twice.” I immediately recognized my own tendency
to feel this way. By God’s grace alone I was able to tell him that we all
experience the feeling of good things not being enough, of being sure that something
will make us happy, only to find that we still want more.
I told him the reason we feel this way is that only Jesus
can fully satisfy us. Only Jesus meets our true needs and meets them
completely!
I don’t know if he’ll remember that exchange. It only lasted about 30 seconds in its entirety. But I am encouraged that the Spirit guides my
thoughts and words in those moments, despite my many shortcomings, to teach Eli
the gospel once again. Therein lies my joy!
As Christians our calling, no matter what life-roles we fulfill,
is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Eternity is our timeframe, and the perfectly
righteous Son of God is our advocate. So take heart, return to the source of
your fulfillment and identity, and keep walking forward.
Recommended: The Village Church Podcast Show EPISODE 31 -
June 9, 2016
Gloria Furman on Missional Motherhood
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