Intentional Parenting

Strong Belief

24/7 Role Model

Encouraging Words

Genuine Affection

Consistent Presence

Peaceful Home

Delicate Discipline

Activate Responsibility

Positive Memories

Serious Fun

As a reminder from last week: (p 13-25)

We were encouraged to believe that we have incredible influence on our children;

Children are a gift from God ()

Understand that

Activities:

Did a survey on what we believe about our role as parents

We worked on who and what we give most attention to and re-prioritized

We calculated how much time we have with our kids before they turn 18 (marble jar)

Thought through words and phrases that we would hope our children would have as we are challenged to begin with the end in mind

Discussion:

I’d love to hear the words, phrases, or themes that you came up with that you would hope to see in your children by the time they turn 18

WATCH DISCUSSION VIDEO

Reminders from the video last week for 24/7 Role Model

Intentional Parents understand that children learn from observing them as their primary role models

What kind of role model are you?

Look on page 28 with me as I read the list of characteristics and behaviors that our children are learning from us:

while giving instructions for Christian livings, Paul says this...

Ephesians 4:22–24 NIV

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 5:22-

Then he goes on and gives examples of what this looks like:

Ephesians 4:25–32 NIV

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:25

Speak truthfully

Don’t stay angry

Don’t steal

Work hard

Only speak what builds others up

Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit

Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, malice

Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving JUST AS CHRIST GOD FORGAVE YOU

And then he sums this up with this:

Ephesians 5:1–2 NIV

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1 NIV

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

Ephseians 5:1

Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us

Although there is pressure here to be role models for our pressure, the good news is that we know what a good role model looks like. Our goal as Christians is to know Christ, which we’ll never accomplish here on earth. Our challenge as parents is to live that out.

I

One of the activities last week asked if what kind of fears we have as parents (Beginning with the end of mind), and I kept on going back and forth. On one hand, I have a fear that I’m not going to be good enough for my kids. I already know that I won’t be perfect; I feel that guilt even with just a 3 and a half year old.

Here’s what turns that fear into confidence though.

When I make mistakes, I have the opportunity to give my kids a look into what humility can look like. I can try to tell Ronan what that means, but being able to go to him and apologize, and ask for forgiveness I believe is much more impactful then simply telling him to apologize and ask for forgiveness.

So in a way, the pressure is off. Yes, we should live as godly lives as possible. We should strive to be the role models. But don’t neglect the opportunities to be a role model when you’re wrong. I think that can be more impactful that even some of the positive characteristics.

Imagine that by the time your son or daughter leaves the house, they lived humbly and forgave easily.

One of my favorite passages is found in

Philippians 2:5–11 NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The rest of the time is yours to do the activies and discuss at your tables:

Role Model - p 30-31

Holding up the Mirror - 35-36

The Baton of Faith - 38-39

Take Action - 42-43