Parenting by Design - July 4

Stewardship

Gen 39:1-6:  "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites … So Joseph found favor in his sight and he made him overseer over his house, and … he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate" (NASU).

Joseph was a very good steward.  Although he didn't own anything in Potiphar's house, he was entrusted with it as manager.  Joseph never laid claim to Potiphar's possessions and he managed Potiphar's affairs knowing one day he would be accountable for the results.

It is important to remember that you have been given stewardship over your children, rather than ownership.  They belong to God, but He has entrusted you with their care and growth while they are under your care.  How might adopting this perspective affect the way you parent?

Children belong to God, and you are God's steward over them.