Finding Jesus in Parenting

This past Sunday I shared from the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy. This letter is intensely personal for Paul deeply cares for Timothy and desires to see him flourish in his faith relationship and leading the church. One point I shared that because Jesus Christ has given us spiritual life we can exercise a sincere faith--a faith that can have great impact within our families. Paul says this to Timothy in v. 5 of 2 Timothy.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

This is not a religious feeling but a genuine and without hypocrisy faith that is confidently rooted in the message of the gospel-simply put: Jesus came to save sinners! Lois, Eunice, Timothy and others came to a point in their lives where they saw that they were sinners (sin is when we substitute ourselves for God, putting ourselves where only God deserves to be — in charge of our lives.) and that Jesus alone saved them from their sin when He died on the cross and arose on the third day. Confidently trusting in the person and work of Jesus brought them into a forever relationship with God where there sins are forgiven and now declared righteousness and acceptable in God’s sight.

I mentioned some things we learn from the faith of Lois and Eunice:
1. Lois and Eunice grew in their faith as they lived in a non-Christian environment.
2. They took responsibility and faithfully taught the Christian faith to their son/grandson amidst a culture that was radically non-Christian.
3. By God's grace, Timothy came to that same faith and grew in his relationship with Jesus.

You can imagine how hard it was for them to be faithful, genuine and without hypocrisy in an environment that was hostile to the Christian faith. Many during that time thought Christianity was foolish and a joke. Yet in that difficult time they found Jesus and the life and strength that he provides in raising children.

My friend, Carol, comes to mind. She became a Christian as adult but her husband did not. She raised her four children as a single mother. She diligently and faithfully encouraged her children in the Christian faith in an environment at times not friendly to it. By God's grace each of her children came to confidently trust Jesus for their salvation. But it wasn't easy. Two of her children struggle for a time in believing the message of Jesus and decided to reject the faith. But as she actively and genuinely lived out her faith before all her children and diligently prayed, these two also came to a confident faith during their young adult years.

What kept her going in midst of the discouragement and rejection was Jesus. The faith God has given us in Jesus Christ is not dormant. God through His Holy Spirit is actively working in us so that we persevere in our parenting no matter what challenges we face. I often want to throw in the towel and say, "God, I am done." But the Holy Spirit will not let me for he shows me the grace, love, and power of Jesus. Jesus keeps me going in lovingly engaging my children in the Christian faith even when most in this world may think I am foolish or wasting my time. It is the Spirit of Christ that shows me when I blow it, my need to confess my sin and failure to my children, and seek their forgiveness.

Friends, I know that some you are discouraged in either your parenting skills or in your relationships with your children. I encourage you: Run to Jesus to find the love, wisdom and grace to continue on! I know that some are new parents and the demands of a new baby and toddler are stretching you to the limits (sleepless nights, nipping the "no" word, keeping up with all the running and the constant crying, etc.). I encourage you: Run to Jesus to find the strength, wisdom, and grace to continue on! This is not easy and often difficult and confusing but God through faith in Jesus Christ has given you all the resources you need to continue on in parenting.

Warmly,

Jeff