12 Rules for Life (Day 5 - 8)Sample

Hey friends - if you are just starting this one, that is totally fine. You don't need to read Days 1-4 for it to make sense. If you have read Days 1-4, awesome! If not, you can start here and work your way back.

God bless you - Anthony

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Day 5: Nurturing Love in Parenting

Scripture: Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Quote from Jordan Peterson: “Don’t let your children do anything that makes you dislike them.”

Close your eyes and journey back to ancient Israel. Picture a marketplace bustling with life. Children scamper around, playing their childhood games, laughing, and occasionally stopping to tug at their mother's robe, pointing eagerly at a treat.

In this very market, a mother named Hannah once walked, her heart heavy, yearning for a child. When God finally answered Hannah's prayer and gave her a son, Samuel, she did something astonishing. She dedicated him to the service of the Lord, ensuring he grew up under Eli's priestly guidance. This was her way of ensuring her son grew up on a path she wouldn't regret. She was vigilant, not just for Samuel's physical well-being but for his spiritual and moral growth.

Now, pivot to Eli, the high priest.

He had sons, but they went astray. Their actions in the temple, from taking the choicest meats to abusing their power, made them unpopular. Eli, in his love, warned them, but perhaps too late.

The difference in parenting styles between Hannah and Eli should cause you to pause and ask yourself this stirring question:

Are you setting your children on a path that would make you proud? Are you making the tough decisions with them or settling for convenience?

I know, right - big questions.

Again, what Jordan Peterson highlights is something that was a priority thousands of years ago.

I love what Pastor Mark Driscoll always says, “The Bible isn’t old, it’s eternal.” Meaning, it’s always relevant and speaking to us today.

Before we take some time to reflect, I want you to know that as a parent, I’ve missed the mark many times with my kids. I’ve settled for convenience many times. I’ve had to go before the Lord and to my kids and repent. I missed the mark. Thankfully, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all the times we missed the mark. (1 John 1:9)

I didn’t write this to scold you as a parent. I wrote this to remind you that you can make things right for the better. I wrote this to nudge you to get closer to the Lord. He knows what you and your children need.

Take a moment to reflect:

• In today's age, with challenges different from ancient Israel, how would you incorporate Hannah's wisdom?
• Are there times you've hesitated like Eli, not providing timely discipline or guidance?
• How can you ensure that your love for your children aligns with teaching them right from wrong?

Affirmation: "In God’s wisdom, I will guide my children, balancing love with discipline."