Highlight Real, Week 3: Parenting

Behind every highlight reel you see, there is a behind the scenes that you don't. Children are our greatest responsibility… and our most valuable resource.  I'm not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (MSG) There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up… 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 (MSG) Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 (NLT) Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:1-5 (NIV) Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:1-5 (NIV) Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them… Psalm 127:1-5 (NIV) 5 Targets for Effective Leadership in the Home Clear VISION and VALUES Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained… Proverbs 29:18 (AMP) VISION is your destination; VALUES are your guideposts for the journey. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NLT) Individual AFFIRMATION and ATTENTION Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) Affirmation = WHO AM I? For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) When we don't TAKE THE TIME to AFFIRM our children, they will look for it in other ways. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matthew 3:17 (NIV) Lessons in PRESSURE and PATIENCE Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away. Proverbs 22:15 (NIV)  My son, keep your father's command and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV) Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV) For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life… Proverbs 6:20-23 (NIV) Our moments of PATIENCE give more credibility to our moments of PRESSURE. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)  A model of HUSTLE and HUMILITY Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) Don't be so busy working for your family that you sacrifice the leadership your family needs from you. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV) HUMILITY keeps the motive of your HUSTLE pure. God's grace is covering your child more than your parenting decisions are forming them. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 (NLT)