In Touch - May 27, 2006

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Saturday May 27, 2006

A Godly Parent

1 Samuel 2:1-11

God wants parents to seek after the qualities He values. These include:

1. To love unconditionally. Our Father’s love is constant and unchanging, regardless of what we do. His Spirit wants to produce such love in us. Conditional love — which is the opposite of God’s — says, “I love you when…” or “I will love you if…” and ties affection to performance. When children experience the unalterable nature of the Lord’s love through a parent’s example, they will be drawn to God.

2. To live life trusting in God. Young people observe how Mom and Dad depend on God in their struggles, and they will remember how He helped. Parents’ belief in His sufficiency and testimony of His provision will leave a strong impression on them. Later, when faced with choices, they will have those examples of faith and trust in God to help guide them.

3. To make prayer a part of everyday life. Hearing parents pray will help sons and daughters learn to talk with God, listen to Him, and respond. Observing the importance of prayer in a family’s decision-making will teach children how to find direction for their lives.

4. To release children to the Lord. This starts by saying, “Father, I realize You have plans for my child that I do not know about. Direct his (her) life according to Your perfect will. I won’t interfere.” Then, when the children are of an appropriate age, parents should express to them, “It’s important for you to choose to live for God. You are accountable to Him.”

Ask the Lord to help you grow in these areas, and commit to pray daily with and for your children.

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