October 9
Jer 12:1-14:10 | PS 79:1-13 | Prov 24:30-34 | 1 Thes 1:1-2:8
As we raise our children it is only natural to try to protect them from harm. But there comes a point when they must be released and allowed to face the trials and tribulations that will render them usable to society, to make them men and women instead of boys and girls. Many are familiar with the term "helicopter parents" as the age when this release occurs continues to be pushed later and later, if ever at all, with some parents now even going on job interviews after college with their grown children. Do you deem this a good thing? Do you consider this loving your child? Rather than focusing on God, these children are learning to focus on their parents. In the process we are erecting one idol after another. When younger it is school and athletic achievement. As they grow it is success in business and financial success. Whether it be the idols of athletics, looks, intellect, without even realizing it, we have erected the worst idol of all, the idol of "self". When people become their own god, they will seek to preserve it at all costs, caring less for others and God, and sadly, this is what they have been trained to do.
After less than one month preaching to the Thessalonians, Paul left behind a vibrant church. We read in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, "And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,". Notice they were not shouldered from trials or tribulations, but received the word in the midst of affliction. We read further in 1:9-10, "For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." It was this affliction which enabled them to abandon their idols and become "all in" for God. We read of the importance of struggle and affliction in Jeremiah 12:5, "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, Then how can you contend with the horses? And if in the land of peace, In which you trusted, they wearied you, Then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?" Coddling is not a good thing. Loving and coming alongside to assist is great, as long as others are allowed to face the challenges which will help them grow and develop a relationship and reliance in God.
We all must remember that our children were created by God for God. They are never really ours. Our children will start off dependent upon their parents, but it is not independence which must be sought, but dependence upon God. We see our children and from an early age often see potential traits, some which we want to cultivate, others which we want to discourage. We read in Jeremiah 13:23, "Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard take away his spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil." We also read in Jeremiah 12:2, "You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts." People change when they give their lives over to the Lord. This is how a leopard removes his spots. And this must be a real relationship, not superficial lip service. When their focus comes off themselves and their parents, when they begin to see a need to change and repent, then their lives of service for the Lord can move forward. So, may all of us who are blessed to be parents recognize this and stop being overprotective and stop erecting our children to be their own gods. Instead, may we steer them to Jesus, the Lord of Lords, and our and their only true hope.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: