In the end, being a parent is the most profound gift you can give your child, far surpassing the role of simply being their friend.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.
[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly
[00:00:49] dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.
[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.
[00:01:00] And now here's Elgin.
[00:01:03] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus to Christ, to
[00:01:10] another episode of Words of Inspiration where we unpack God's Word and how it applies to
[00:01:17] the challenges we face in life.
[00:01:20] And today we're talking about a topic that many parents wrestle with, whether to be
[00:01:28] a parent versus a friend.
[00:01:32] Our inspiration today comes from Psalm 22, verse 6 and reading from the New International
[00:01:40] Version it reads, Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are
[00:01:47] old, they will not turn from it.
[00:01:50] This verse speaks to the responsibility we have as parents to guide our children in
[00:01:55] the right direction.
[00:01:57] It's a reminder that we're called to be parents first, shaping and molding our children according
[00:02:04] to a Christian worldview, not simply trying to be their friend.
[00:02:09] There's a growing trend that pushes parents to focus on being their child's friend in
[00:02:16] an attempt to keep the peace, avoid conflict and maintain their child's happiness.
[00:02:22] While it's natural to want your child to like you, the role of parent carries a much
[00:02:29] higher calling.
[00:02:31] So let's dive into what it means to parent according to God's Word and how that is
[00:02:37] far more impactful than just being their friend.
[00:02:41] First, let's talk about the role of parent.
[00:02:47] Psalm 22 and 6 emphasizes that our responsibility to start the child off on the way that they
[00:02:54] should go.
[00:02:55] That's not a suggestion, it's a commandment.
[00:02:59] As parents we are responsible for teaching our children the values, principles and truth
[00:03:06] that come from God's Word.
[00:03:09] This isn't always easy and it often won't make us popular with our kids.
[00:03:14] There will be times when your child wants to do things that seem normal in the world,
[00:03:20] whether it's choosing certain media, dress in a particular way or engaging in behavior
[00:03:26] that goes against the values of a Christian worldview.
[00:03:31] As their parent it's your job to provide guidance, set boundaries and explain the
[00:03:38] why behind the principles of faith.
[00:03:41] Your influence should come from a place of wanting to protect them from a culture that
[00:03:47] often promotes values contradictory to God's Word.
[00:03:52] Proverbs 22 and 15 reminds us,
[00:03:56] Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
[00:04:03] This doesn't mean harshness, but rather it points to the importance of discipline and instruction
[00:04:10] in a loving and godly way.
[00:04:13] Setting boundaries may cause temporary conflict,
[00:04:17] but it sets your child up for long term success in their walk with God.
[00:04:24] It's important to recognize that when you prioritize being your child's friend over
[00:04:29] being their parent, you're allowing the world to have more control over their worldview.
[00:04:36] Children and teens are naturally impressionable,
[00:04:40] and if you don't actively guide them in the way of Christ,
[00:04:44] the culture around them will be happy to fill that void.
[00:04:48] The Bible calls us to be salt and light in the world in Matthew 5 verses 13 through 16,
[00:04:56] and that calling starts at home.
[00:05:00] Your primary mission field is your family.
[00:05:04] Being a parent means teaching your children how to make decisions based on biblical principles,
[00:05:10] rather than allowing their friends, social media or popular culture to become the primary influencer.
[00:05:18] While it's tempting to focus on your child's immediate happiness,
[00:05:21] the reality is that being their friend may feel easier in the short term,
[00:05:28] but it doesn't prepare them for challenges of life.
[00:05:32] You're laying a foundation that they will build on for the rest of their lives,
[00:05:36] and in the end, the most loving thing you can do for your child is to guide them in truth,
[00:05:42] even when it's difficult.
[00:05:45] Another aspect of biblical parenting is modeling faith over popularity.
[00:05:51] When your child sees you choosing God's principle over the world's approval,
[00:05:58] you're showing them what it means to live as a disciple of Christ.
[00:06:03] In Ephesians 6 and 4, Paul writes,
[00:06:07] Fathers, do not exasperate your children.
[00:06:12] Instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
[00:06:16] Notice that Paul doesn't say, make sure your children always like you.
[00:06:21] He says to bring them up in the instruction of the Lord.
[00:06:25] This means leading them in daily prayer, teaching them scripture
[00:06:29] and showing them what it means to make faith-based decisions.
[00:06:34] The long-term effect of this guidance is a deep-rooted relationship with God
[00:06:39] that transcends worldly trends and temporary friendships.
[00:06:44] You're shaping their eternal identity, which far outweighs their short-term desire for approval.
[00:06:52] Finally, let's talk about the importance of loving discipline.
[00:06:58] True friendship with your child doesn't come from being permissive
[00:07:01] or allowing them to do whatever they want.
[00:07:05] Real love and friendship come from guiding them toward their highest good,
[00:07:10] which is a life grounded in Christ.
[00:07:14] Hebrews 12 verse 11 says,
[00:07:17] No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
[00:07:21] Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
[00:07:27] for those who have been trained by it.
[00:07:30] When you lovingly discipline your children,
[00:07:33] you're setting them on a path that will ultimately lead to peace and righteousness.
[00:07:39] This kind of parenting may not make you their favorite person today,
[00:07:43] but it will yield a harvest of spiritual maturity,
[00:07:47] godly character and a closer relationship with God in the future.
[00:07:52] Isn't that what real friendship looks like?
[00:07:56] A relationship built on mutual respect, love, and truth.
[00:08:04] Brothers and sisters, the world will always be there,
[00:08:07] ready to feel the void if we don't.
[00:08:10] But when you prioritize raising your children in a Christian worldview,
[00:08:14] you're setting them up to face life's challenges with strength, wisdom,
[00:08:20] and peace that only God can provide.
[00:08:24] In the end, being a parent is the most profound gift you can give your child,
[00:08:29] far surpassing the role of simply being their friend.
[00:08:34] I thank you for spending time with me on today,
[00:08:37] and I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.
[00:08:41] Until then, God bless.
[00:08:42] The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C-squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group
[00:08:55] to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
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[00:09:20] You may contact Elgin at PO Box 5582 or California 34478,
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