A Truly Great Parent

Do you feel like you need to be super-Mom (or dad), trying to be your version, or the world's version, or your neighborhood's version?  So much pressure to conform. So much confusion. So many frustrated people. God's version is always best. What does a truly great parent look like? Jesus. :)  But before you give yourself another guilt trip...either by figuring you have to walk on water, multiply loaves and fishes or some other attesting miracle to qualify as a super-mom; just relax, sit back, and calm down. Let's see what God has to say. 

Matt. 19:13-15 and Matt. 18.

It is not your performing that matters, but how conformed you are to God's design. Sure, we are not to be conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2) but rather transformed by the renewing of your mind. Being conformed to the world is enslaving, restricting, and legalistic. Let God renew your mind by His Spirit, through His Word, for His glory and your good.  There is a conforming that is freeing and pleases God. It is God's work, if conforming us to the image of Christ (Rom. 8). As God does that work and you cooperate, you will find a freedom you never knew before.  According to Jesus....A Truly Great Parent...is...before God and man...

1. Humble...therefore teachable.  Like a child. Willing to learn. Doesn't know it all. Knows they need Jesus. 

2. Dependent...therefore dependable.  Can be trusted. Trustworthy. Appropriately trusting. Walks by faith.  Commits. Stays committed. Trusts Jesus. 

3. Focused...therefore...enduring.  Eph. 6:1-4. Diligent. Stays the course. Fixes eyes on Jesus. Abide in Christ (John 15:5).

4. Repentant...therefore approachable. Aware of their sin and not afraid to admit it. Lots and lots of good stuff. Confesses sin. Gentle yet firm with those who sin. Understanding heart. Not jugemental.   Rests in Jesus. 

5. Courageous...therefore followable.  Takes risks for the Kingdom of God. Gutsy yet giving. Generous. Freely gives because everything is from God. Walks by faith not by sight. Prays expectantly and believes God's promises; then acts upon them with childlike faith.  There is one Truly Great Parent with a capital T: our heavenly Father, who knows what you need even before you do. He knows your greatest need is an eternal one that only He can meet. Believe in the Lord Jesus. Trust the Lord and be yourself. 

Jesus loves you!
Soli Deo Gloria