Your child's spiritual well-being and final destination are more important than any other goal or distraction.
We have all seen the signs in yards stating, “Drive Like Your Children Live Here.” The point is obvious. Drive really fast and recklessly so as to entertain my children playing in the yard. Well, this is not the intent; it is quite the opposite. They are not only trying to slow you down but also to draw your attention to their children so as to heighten your senses.
When you become a parent for the first time, you are on the move. As they grow and get old enough to be involved in sports, dance, theater, Boy Scouts, youth group, or a plethora of other activities, your family is shaped by all of these things. The activities can become the ruler of your time. In truth, it is good to have your children involved in extracurricular activities, just not at the expense of what truly matters.
I cannot stress enough the importance of spending quality time with your children. The time does not need to be large, planned events. Some of my favorite times with my daughter are when I am leaving for my daily walk, and she asks to come along. And dinner, all together at the table, makes for some of our most hilarious family times. Riding anywhere in the car with either of my kids always allows for quality conversation.
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, this time is even more critical. Modeling biblical marriage and friendships is so vital. Regularly attending church as a family and making the Word of God a priority is key. Our children are watching everything that we model for them. If we make their athletic “career” more important than church attendance and involvement, this will be their mindset throughout life.
In the time you do spend with your children, make it Christ-centered. Your child’s hobbies and interests are all well and good, however their spiritual well-being and final destination are more important than any other goal or distraction. Having a genuine relationship with Jesus trumps any slight percentage chance of playing in the NBA, being on Broadway, running a Fortune 500 company, or whatever other earthly pursuit or expectation you have imposed on them.
Please, let God be the only ruler of your time, not the things of this world. For the believer, the Word of God will guide you in the use of your time and the nurturing of the children with whom He has blessed you. Slow down and be aware; “drive like your children live here.”
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
~ Timothy Pearce
