For those that are new to parenting, or are not parents yet, here is a piece of advice. For those that have been a parent, you will certainly agree. Here it is: Prepare your hearts, because a surprise is often waiting around every corner.
Sometimes those surprises are great, others will leave you in tears.
Recently, we got one of those tearful surprises with one of our kids. Not the tearful kind associated with great joy, either. The kind that leaves a Mom wondering what they did wrong in trying to raise them right.
Now for those that know me, quit wondering which one it was or what they did. It's none of your business. I mean that with all the love in the world.
Insert smiley face here.
This particular surprise reminded me that I cannot ever drop my guard in raising my kids. That I should ever be looking for opportunities to reinforce the command found in the Bible to not conform to the ways of this world. The truth is, I know a lot about what is going on in my kids' lives, but there is no way to know everything. I simply cannot be with them every second, making their decisions for them, or keeping them safe from the temptations and influence of this world.
This is true for our own lives as well. It's not just a parenting thing. Influence is all around us. Both good and bad. More bad than good, it seems. We must guard our hearts carefully less we be influenced the wrong way, and conform to the ways of this word. From movies and TV, to Facebook and friends, we need to be careful about what we allow to motivate or influence us.
This world is not heaven. So we are surrounded by things that are not holy and heavenly. We need to be careful. And we must always be vigilant.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 NLT
Daddy God, I just ask that you give me wisdom on how to not conform to this world. More than that, give me the wisdom to teach my children not to conform. The world is constantly bombarding us all, whether it's to watch something on tv that our eyes should not see, or listening to videos that portray things that God would not approve of. Father God, help us to listen to you and to not be tempted by this world's tricks. God, help me to guard my mind and thoughts. Lord, I ask that you help me to teach my children to guard their hearts and minds. Lord, show me your ways in every situation that comes before me. Remind me to stop and listen for what you would have me do. I rebuke you, Satan. You cannot have my family. I will stand in the gap. I will not let the enemy take what God has trusted me to take care of. God, you have blessed me with a wonderful family and I will not let Satan get his hands on them. I love you, Lord, and I trust you with my life, and my family. Protect us from the enemy. I give all I have to you. Amen!!!
