How Do You Become The Best Parent You Can Be?

“Parents Rely On Personal Experience Over Biblical Guidance.”  That was the headline of a February 27, 2009 article in The Christian Post by Elena Garcia.  Garcia cited several studies that confirmed that, although the vast majority of parents said that they are trying to improve their parenting skills, few look to the Bible or church for guidance.  6 of 10 parents completely ignore parenting seminars, and just rely on their own family experiences to guide them.  Over half don’t use books that provide faith-based guidance for parents.  Only 20% say their receive guidance from a sacred text such as the Bible.  Only 15% look to their church for help with parenting.  I pray that you are different.

For we live in a world that wants to take what God says is black and white and make it gray, and beyond that to take what God says is white and make it black, and make his black white.  Some of that is blatant, but some of it is so subtle that God has to warn us against being deceived by “fine-sounding arguments.” (Colossians 2:4)   That warning is necessary even if we have been Christians for a long time, because we are still sinful, and the lies of this world always appeal to our sinful hearts and minds.  That is why Paul said to the Corinthians, “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)  We need the Word of God to help us clearly see and live what is right and true and good and what is not (and lead us to the only right way to deal with our failure to do so- repentance and faith in Jesus!).  And that is exactly what God’s Word does!

“The Word of the Lord is right and true.” (Psalm 33:4)  “Every Word of God is flawless.” (Proverbs 30:5)

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)   “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

So what is the most important thing you can do as a parent?   God tells us in Proverbs 2:1-15.  Read it slowly and really think about what God says, and discuss what it means for your family with your spouse and children.

If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair– every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

Your church provides daily email devotions, many Bible classes, these Bible-based weekly parent emails, suggestions for family devotions, devotional and parenting resources in our library, and soon will offer a monthly Christian parent discussion group, where parents will be guided by God’s Word and find help and support from each other for the challenges of family life.  I pray you will be in the vast minority of American parents who seize opportunities like this to become the best parent you can be through the Word of God!